Arsenal vs Man United - Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Gunners score TWICE from second-half corners - despite missing injured Gabriel

Ruben Amorim is unbeaten no more...

Amongst that madness, it was revealed that there will be four minutes of storage time.

Many of the home fans have decided that it's time for them to head home earl;y, though.

My word, they have nearly done it again.

Declan Rice;' corner-taking ability is just daft at this point, he puts it in the right place every single time.

He causes chaos again as Andre Onana fails to get a good punch on the ball, but eventually United clear.

Utter carnage.

Arsenal make their final change of the evening.

Skipper Martin Odegaard leaves the pitch to a standing ovation as he is replaced by Jorginho.

Now they are just going to close the game out.

Well, I was not expecting that.

Manchester United produce a lovely little free-kick routine with Bruno Fernandes sliding in Antony.

The substitute arrows the ball toward the near post but David Raya deals with it.

A cheeky little move, but it doesn't come off.

Speaking of corners, I have just been informed that Manchester United have not had a single one and we are in the 85th minute.

That just shows how little they have got forward.

United have just won a free-kick in a dangerous position outside of the Arsenal box, though.

Bruno Fernandes has the chance to spice this game up.

What is that?

Bukayo Saka should be ashamed of himself, his corner has just failed to beat the best man.

I mean, it's sacrilege, it really is.

The fan banter is well and truly out now!

The Arsenal fans are singing some rather choice words about the quality of Manchester United.

That's all you need to know about that.

While that is happening, Ruben Amorim hauls off Rasmus Hojlund and Antony replaces him.

Too right, Sami.

Mikel Merino is the player to go close from a corner this time as he flashes a header agonisingly wide.

Every time they get a set piece you just expect the net to bulge now, it really is ridiculous.

Arsenal and set pieces is just silly now. They’ve clearly got into the oppositions heads with their success rate. All this without Big Gabi.

Arsenal are purring, they really are.

It's nearly three within a matter of moments as Martin Odegaard displays his passing ability.

The Arsenal skipper slides Kai Havertz through and he forces Andre Onana into an important stop from close range.

It means they have another corner...

They've only gone and done it again!

Arsenal are simply unstoppable from corners and this time it's William Saliba who finishes one off.

Bukayo Saka whips it to the back post and Thomas Partey peels off to head it across goal.

The ball simply canons straight off Saliba and hits the net.

Mikel Arteta turns to the bench...

Leandro Trossard replaces Gabriel Martinelli while Mikel Merino is on for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

That means that Thomas Partey will go right-back and Jurrien Timber will switch to the left.

Arteta also asks his fans to make some noise as the Emirates has fallen flat.

David Raya to the rescue!

The Arsenal keeper produces a stunning save to deny Matthijs de Ligt from the resulting set-piece.

The defender gets a brilliant connection on the ball with his head and it looks destined for the corner.

But Raya shows his athleticism to deny him.

Amad Diallo is already causing Arsenal problems here.

The winger absolutely roasts Oleksandr Zinchenko who decides to bring him down just outside the box.

A second later, and that would have been a penalty for Manchester United.

Zinchenko is booked for the challenge.

When will teams learn to cope?

Arsenal come close from a corner once again and it's nearly identical to the opener.

Declan Rice produces a carbon copy of his earlier set-piece and this time Joshua Zirkzee gets the flick on.

Thankfully for the substitute, the ball flashes just wide.

Here he is!

Leny Yopro is handed his Manchester United debut by Ruben Amorim, not an easy game to come into.

He replaces Harry Maguire at the back while Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee also enter the fray.

Bioy do United need them to make an impact.

Oh, hello...

Brentford have a goal back and it's courtesy of midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard.

He picks up the ball by the byline, cuts back, and lashes the ball into the roof of the net via the near post.

Do we have a game on our hands?

That is exactly what this game needed.

The crowd are now up and Arsenal are going through the gears. they have Manchester United scampering.

It looks like Ruben Amorim is going to make a few changes.

The corner kings are at it again!

Arsenal always find a way from set-pieces and Jurrien Timber is the player to punish Manchester United today.

Declan Rice swings in a perfect ball into the six-yard box and Timber just has to flick it beyond Andre Onana.

The Emirates is bouncing now!

This game suddenly has a bit of needle.

Arsenal are way more up for it in this half and Manchester United are already wasting time.

I have a feeling we may get some goals at last.

Right, the ball is rolling again at Villa Park.

Can Aston Villa pull away or will Brenrtford somehow produce a miracle?

Oooft, that's nearly a brilliant start for Manchester United.

Alejandro Garnacho fires a lovely low ball across goal but Rasmus Hojlund is not sharp enough to meet it.

Garnacho looks very annoyed at him, and that's an understatement.

The teams are back out for the second 45.

Ruben Amorim makes one change at the break with Amad Diallo replacing Tyrell Malacia.

I'm guessing he is just managing minutes.

Anyway, we are back underway at the Emirates, will this game improve?

Saka is the main danger for Arsenal in a game where there has not really been much danger at all. This game has been about caution and patience. Goals are something that happen elsewhere.

The Arsenal fans have just received some bad news.

The Emirates has just revealed that Liverpool have come from behind late to lead at Newcastle.

Mo Salah has done it again with a break.

As soon as the goal was announced the fans still in their seats groaned as loud as they have all day.

It's not over yet, though.

It's not a night to be an attacker, that's for sure.

The defences have been well on top at the Emirates with both sides only mustering five shots combined.

Only two of them have been real chances with Thomas Partey and Diogo Dalot coming close.

I hope for all of our sakes that this game opens up in the second half.

It’s felt like a chess match at times here at the Emirates.Arsenal have enjoyed much possession, without really troubling the Manchester United goal. The game is evenly poised, really. Both teams are very much in it.

Thomas Partey has looked sloppy on the ball and will need to improve. While Tyrell Malacia has been superb for Man United in a defence which has looked good thus far.

Roberto Martinez, Portugal manager, on Amazon Prime:

All the Man United players have been alert and Arsenal have had no possibilities to be on the ball and create.

Mikel Arteta will not be a happy bunny.

Bar an early chance for Thomas Partey, the Gunners have offered little to nothing going forward.

With Liverpool drawing away at Newcastle currently, this is a huge opportunity for Arsenal to gain ground on them.

But so far they simply aren't taking it, they are miles off their usual standards.

He will be laying into them in that dressing room.

What a half from Aston Villa.

Where has this been? Villa have torn Brentford apart, scoring three goals in just 12 first-half minutes.

The Bees are playing poorly on the road again and I fear this could become a cricket score.

A big team talk coming up for Thomas Frank.

Nothing to separate the side at the break.

It's been one of those games where we have hyped it up a bunch and it's not delivering.

Not much has happened, with slim pickings in front of goal for both sides.

Mikel Arteta does not look happy as he goes down the tunnel.

There will be just one minute of stoppage time.

I'm very thankful for that because I'm not sure how much of this I can take.

Welcome back to the Premier League, Tyrell Malacia!

We have our first yellow cards of the night with Malacia booked for delaying the restart.

Moments later Manuel Ugarte gets one too for gesticulating at the referee about something.

Oooft, nearly a belter from Diogo Dalot.

Manchester United finally head up the pitch and Mason Mount has a crack, but it's terrible.

But the ball stays in play and falls to Dalot on the right-hand side of the area, and he goes for goal from a tight angle.

The ball flashes inches wide of the far post.

Could the first half have gone any better for Villa? A team low on confidence has scored three goals, all with different scorers, and suddenly they are looking like the Unai Emery team of last season with Ollie Watkins just going close to a fourth. Brentford are brilliant at home but picked up only one point on their travels. You can see why.

That move just sums up this half.

Gabriel Martinelli drives down the left and looks to clip the ball into the middle.

But the cross is so poor and Andre Onana has no problems collecting it.

All I want is to report a chance, is that too much to ask?

Manchester United are so defensively rigid that they are barely getting forward.

It means that neither side is really creating any opportunities.

Aston Villa are running riot!

The hosts are surely out of sight now as Matty Cash hammers home their third of the night.

They pick apart Brentford once again and the ball is clipped to Cash who volleys the ball home via the near post.

Unai Emery goes mental on the touchline.

If you are not watching this game, I am jealous.

Why? Well, it has not exactly been a classic, I am currently debating whether to ask my classic dinner question.

I will save it for now, but watch out.

Arsenal are getting really frustrated here.

They are winning a lot of corners but other than that they are struggling to create.

It isn't impacting the atmosphere, though as the Gunners fans are still making a racket.

Ollie Watkins levels from the spot... just.

Boy did the striker need that as he squeezes the ball into the bottom corner via the hand of Mark Flerkken.

I must say, I thought the goalkeeper had done enough. He is unlucky there.

Villa are looking comfortable now.

Arsenal seem to have woken up at last.

After a barrage of corners the ball falls to Gabriel Martinelli in space in the area.

He tries to lash the ball into the top corner but completely miscues his effort.

The ball floats harmlessly over the bar.

Aston Villa have the chance for another!

Ollie Watkins races away on the break and is bundled over by Ethan Pinnock inside the area.

After a brief VAR check, the spot kick is given and Watkins will take.

Villa’s Morgan Rogers has dyed his hair in a bid to reverse his and Villa’s declining form – and goodness it’s worked. The bottle blonde has just curled one in from 20 yards for his first goal in six games. It followed a good move and you can feel the relief around the stadium.

What a finish from Morgan Rogers!

Aston Villa take the lead and my word they have done it in style with a Rogers stunner.

Boubacar Kamara does really well deep in his own half to set his side on the counter-attack.

Villa fly forward and work the ball to Rogers on the edge of the box, and he bends one straight top corner.

Just what Villa needed.

I must say, I have been quite impressed with Manchester United so far.

While the game has not been the most exciting, United look extremely solid, which is new.

They are also having a lot of the ball and Arsenal fans seem rather frustrated at that.

Anytime Onana gets the ball, the crowd are booing because they feel he’s taking too long on goal kicks.

He is pushing the line. Though by killing the tempo out of the game, it’s a way of trying to thwart Arsenal. Referee Sam Barott’s patience will be tested.

I have just seen Harry Maguire deep in Arsenal's half on the left wing, what is going on?

The United defender surely has a nosebleed being in that position... but I rate it.

This has become a bit of a scrappy game in the last few minutes.

Arsenal don't have their usual flow and Manchester United are making this is physical battle.

Ruben Amorim will be the happier of the two managers at the moment.

Rasmus Hojlund already pulling onto Jakub Kiwior wherever possible, obviously spotting him as the weak link in Arsenal’s defence in the absence of Gabriel. A wise and logical move, though Kiwior has coped well thus far.

Manchester United are really struggling to get out of their own half.

They are hoofing the ball up to Rasmus Hojlund to hold up the ball when they can.

It could be a long and lonely night for the Dane.

Oh, what a chance for Thomas Partey!

We know how good Arsenal are from corners and even without Gabriel they nearly score from one here.

The ball is whipped into the six-yard box and Thomas Partey is there to meet it.

But he seems to duck and then squirts his header wide like he almost wasn't expecting the ball to come to him.

He should score.

Are we in Europe?

I can hear the Arsenal fans using a drum to dictate a chant which very much feels like a European fanbase thing to do.

It's certainly helping the atmosphere in here, though.

They might get to cheer very soon as Arsenal have just won a corner.

What a start that would have been!

I was just about to post that it had been a tentative start to the match, but then Gabriel Martinelli sticks the ball in the net.

He goes off to celebrate but the flag is up straight away as Kai Havertz is miles offside in the build-up.

It all came from a misplaced pass form Andre Onana, which won't do too much for his confidence.

It will help Arsenals. though.

Villa Park is looking quite empty.

there are many pockets of empty seats in the stands as the game gets going in the West Midlands.

I wonder if it's due to bad traffic?

The time for talking is over.

The crowd show their creativity with a chant of 'Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal' after 'North London Forever'.

The Gunners faithful are well up for this, and I have a feeling this is going to be a belter.

We are underway.

My word, the Emirates is loud tonight.

The two teams come out of the tunnel into a cauldron of noise and they are also greeted by pyro.

These days, every night match has some sort of pre-match show. I mean, I quite enjoy them, so am not complaining.

There is now techno music being played which is getting me pumped up, I love this kind of music.

I wonder if it is working for the players.

Arsenal fans, I have some good news for you.

Liverpool have just fallen behind away at Newcastle, with Alexander Isak smashing a screamer past Caoimhin Kelleher.

If the Reds lose on Tyneside, it's a big opportunity for the Gunners to really get back in the title race.

I wonder if the players know?

Normally people love visiting London.

I mean, there is so much to do as a tourist, it's one of the best cities in the world (in my opinion).

Well, Manchester United haven't loved it recently.

United have only won two of their last 18 visits to London sides, and both came against Fulham.

Oh, I like these Arsenal training tops. They're very snazzy.

I'm sure they are keeping the Gunners warm in what are freezing temperatures in the capital.

We are now less than 20 minutes away from kick-off, and you can just feel the buzz inside the Emirates.

I'm getting excited, are you?

Ruben Amorim has made a good start as Manchester United manager, mainly by not being Erik ten Hag. His charisma has won him a lot of instant friends but this will be the first proper test of how much of a difference he has been able to make in his short time in charge.

No pyro, no party!

The Arsenal; fans making their way to the ground are not entering quietly, that's for sure.

Groups of fans have gathered outside the stadium, lighting flairs and singing songs as the atmosphere builds.

I have a feeling the Emirates will be electric tonight.

Declan Rice, Arsenal midfielder, speaking to Amazon Prime:

Tonight is going to be a good night. We had a similar game where we played Sporting and the manager [Ruben Amorim] was there.

The way Man Utd play will be similar [to Sporting Lisbon], the last three fixtures they have seen improvement. They have good players who can hurt you at any time.

We have improved season on season. We have not had the best start, but we are gaining momentum which is a positive.

Time flies, eh?

It's been 18 years since the Emirates opened its doors to the world and Arsenal took on a new venture.

Tonight will be Arsenal’s 500th competitive match at the stadium in all competitions

The Gunners have been on the winning side 335 times, while they have lost just 71.

They’ve won 10 and lost six of their 20 meetings with Manchester United at the ground. Only Manchester City have beaten the Gunners more there.

Kick-off still more than half an hour away, but Arsenal fans will be feeling even more nerves after seeing the line-up.

Gabriel, who forms such as good partnership with William Saliba — and a goal threat, of course — is not in the squad.

Jakub Kiwior takes his place, and he has been off key this season in his rare appearances. He could well be targeted by the United attack.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal boss, speaking to Amazon Prime:

There's a lot of history between the two clubs. It is one of those games you really want to play - I am looking forward to it.

We have had the best possible preparation in order to dominate the game and have the highest probability of winning it.

On facing Ruben Amorim's Sporting:

There is always similarities in terms of the structure, but this is about the players. We have to understand what the possibilities are, but we are focusing on us.

Where to start?

Brentford may be brilliant when playing in west London, but away from it, they have been terrible.

The Bees have only picked up one point on the road this season, the joint-worst record in the league.

The fact they have struggled that much and are eighth is pretty mental.

I'm not done there, though. Brentford have never won an away match against Aston Villa.

The stats really are against them.

As puddles grow in the persistent rain around Villa Park, Unai Emery needs a win. All the talk on local Birmingham phone-ins was whether Ollie Watkins should be replaced up front by Jhon Duran. Emery had kept faith with the England striker though. Big call.

I wonder how Mason Mount is feeling...

The midfielder has not exactly had a smooth ride since arriving in Manchester last summer.

But tonight he is a given a rare start to show Ruben Amorim what he is about.

The United boss has already sung Mount's praises and will be hoping to get a tune out of him this evening.

It's a massive night for the former Chelsea man.

Chris Sutton, It's All Kicking Off! co-host, on BBC Sport:

We have seen some classic games between these teams down the years, but Arsenal are a long way ahead of United, especially now Odegaard is back - he has taken them to the levels we were expecting from them all season.

It would be a real eye-opener if United go to Emirates Stadium and get something, but I can't see it. Arsenal have scored a lot of goals in the past week and that should continue here. They will win, and win well.

I can't talk about Arsenal without mentioning Bukayo Saka, can I?

The winger has been simply superb on the right for the Gunners this season, even through their sticky patch.

He already has 10 assists in the Premier League this season, reaching the tally in just 13 matches. Not many have managed that.

He also has five goals to his name and is joint top scorer for Arsenal in the league with Kai Havertz.

I have a sneaky feeling he could add to those tallies tonight.

Saka adores playing Manchester United, he has scored three league goals and provided two assists against them in the past.

Only Thierry Henry has more goal involvements for the Gunners in this fixture, with 12.

United will be hoping they can keep Saka quiet somehow...

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport:

Players need the benefit of the doubt but starting Malacia tonight is a monumental risk. Felt sorry for him in that Bodø/Glimt game. He’s not ready.

I've already said it before, but I'll say it again: I really don't understand these dressing room pictures.

Manchester United do them too and I find them bizarre, the dressing room is supposed to be a sanctuary for the players and backroom staff.

Anyway, here I am posting about them.

What they do show is there is a real mix of approaches to the build-up, with Gabriel Martinelli looking relaxed while Martin Odegaard is steely-eyed.

I do always find that kind of stuff interesting, I guess.

Emmanuel Petit, former Arsenal midfielder, speaking to Gambling Zone:

At the Emirates Stadium, it’s different. Arsenal are amazing at home - I can‘t remember when they last lost at home.

Man United are obviously playing better but Martin Odegaard is back and Bukayo Saka is flying, so I think Arsenal will win. Man United will score but I think Arsenal will be too strong for them and win 3-1.

Just the two changes for Brentford.

Thomas Frank has decided to rest his engine room with both Yegor Yarmliuk and Vitaly Janelt coming in.

Other than that, it's the same side that smashed Leicester on Saturday.

Well then, Emir Martinez is indeed fit.

Despite picking up a hairline fracture on his hand in the loss to Chelsea, the Argentine starts between the sticks.

Unai Emery has made just two changes from that defeat with Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey coming into the team.

Happy with this side, Villa fans?

Wow, now this is a big call from Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese coach is throwing Tyrell Malacia back into the mix after his return from injury last week.

He is one of six changes from the team who beat Everton at the weekend.

There is no place in the side for either Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee who both scored braces against the Toffees.

Meanwhile, Mason Mount makes his first start under Amorim and Leny Yoro is included in the squad for the first time.

Yep, here is the confirmation...

Gabriel is indeed unfit to play and Jakub Kiwior is the defender called upon to replace him.

Riccardo Calafiori also misses out due to injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko comes in at left-back.

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey comes back into the midfield in place of Jorginho.

I bet that sub-heading alone gets Manchester United fans excited.

Leny Yoro was brought in by the Red Devils in the summer as the next big centre-back, hopes were high.

But the 19-year-old broke his foot in a pre-season friendly against today's opponents and is yet to make his competitive debut.

Well, today the wait could be over.

Ruben Amorim suggested that the defender could be involved in some way or another at the Emirates, although he won't start.

I guess we will have to wait and see if he is in the squad.

Now that is some big news...

Gabriel has been a crucial member of Mikel Arteta's side over the past few years, and of late has been superb.

He has netted in both of Arsenal's last two games and always causes problems from corners.

So the fact that he is set to be absent is a huge blow for the Gunners.

Will we see Jurrien Timber move into the middle, or maybe Riccardo Calafiori?

Understand Arsenal are set to be without key central defender Gabriel Magalhaes for tonight’s clash versus Man United.

The Brazil defender has what is described as a minor knock and his expected non inclusion is precautionary more than anything more sinister.

It's fair to say, Manchester United are not fans of the Emirates.

Their visits to north London to face Arsenal usually end in pain. Well, most certainly in recent times.

United have been beaten on seven of their last nine Premier League trips to Arsenal.

That's not a very good record, is it?

If Ruben Amorim manages to pull off a victory, he will most likely be hailed as a messiah.

Or have I just gone too far? Probably.

The omens are looking good if you are an Arsenal fan.

The Gunners have a brilliant recent record against Manchester United, they have won their last three Premier League games against them.

It was the late, late show at the Emirates last time around...

Arsenal needed stoppage-time strikes from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus to get the job done.

Something tells me they won't want it to be quite as dramatic this evening, but what do I know, eh?

Well, actually, I know a certain stat about this fixture that I want to share.

Arsenal have never won four league matches in a row against United...

Well, tonight they can change that.

Earlier today it was revealed that Man United scrapped plans to wear jackets in support of LGBTQ+ prior to their match against Everton.

Over the past week, Premier League clubs have been supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign.

According to reports, United players were meant to warm up in special jackets before facing the Toffees at Old Trafford.

However, Noussair Mazraoui declared he would refuse to wear one due to his religious beliefs as a devout Muslim.

United then decided to pull the plug on the idea.

It comes after Sam Morsy chose not to wear a rainbow armband in two of Ipswich Town's matches.

Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi also chose to write 'I love Jesus' over his rainbow armband at the weekend.

Last night, Gueghi wore a second on Tuesday away at Ipswich that read: 'Jesus loves you'. He has been reprimanded.

What time is it? That's right, stat pack time.

As always, our friends at Squawka have supplied the goods as we preview this mammoth match.

What stands out to me is that the two teams create a similar amount of chances per match, but Arsenal have scored nine more goals.

United have just not been clinical enough this season, well, until they faced Everton.

I'm hoping we are in for a goal-fest personally.

Unai Emery, Aston Villa boss, speaking on Tuesday:

The confidence is always tested, trying to get it balanced. When we win the confidence is high. We have to understand each moment, and focus with the players. The small details we have to analyse deeply because small details are being punished. In football, to win, lose or draw when the teams are so tight is the details - we are working on it.

Enjoy. At Villa Park, we will need their support like they are doing and their energy. Hopefully they can transmit their energy and the capacity to play and be motivated.

[Brentford are] one of the best, most consistent teams in the league in the last year. It's not the same Brentford I knew when at Arsenal. Brentford now are improving tactically and playing brilliant competitive football. I respect their work, their coach and players a lot.

Not to be blunt but Aston Villa have been pretty pants recently.

I have been keen to praise the wonderful work that Unai Emery has done at Villa Park over the past couple of years, but now it is time for criticism.

They have gone eight matches without a win in all competitions and look devoid of confidence.

It feels like the first real stumbling block this Villa side has hit under Emery. I mean, they started the season so well.

But now they sit 12th and if this run of form continues, I imagine some supporters will start to grow frustrated.

Tonight is a brilliant chance to get their campaign back on track against a Brentford side who just don't win away from home.

Yes, the Bees have been the best home team in the whole division and sit 8th in the league, but on the road, they have been abysmal.

Emery needs his side to perform this evening.

Ruben Amorim, Man United head coach, speaking on Tuesday:

It’s the best team that we’ve faced, by far. But the test is every game. If you see the last game, yesterday, was really tough. It was a 4-0 but you see the game like I see it.

Every game now is a test without so many minutes to train. Trying to manage the numbers of minutes of so many players, you cannot try to imagine one game. You have to know that some players might have to be out of the pitch in 60 minutes, 70 minutes so it’s really hard at this moment.

Everything is a test but Arsenal are… I know it’s not easy for [a] Manchester United [head coach] to say, but they are in a different point of their team. They are in a different moment.

It's important to be brave. When I say brave, it’s not pressing all the time higher. It’s not the same. You have to understand the moments of the game. We need to have the ball, that is a key point.

We want also to dominate some moments of the game because we know that in these matches it’s hard to control all the game. If I have to say something, we have to be brave and we have to control the game.

Ruben Amorim, what are you made of?

Manchester United's new head coach has had a fairly decent start, he is unbeaten in his three games at the helm so far.

But none of those matches compare to the magnitude of tonight's.

Everybody knows that the United project under Amorim is going to take a while. The performances have been far from perfect.

To face Arsenal away from home this early on will be extremely difficult, it's already hard enough at the best of times.

However, there is no doubt his players would have taken confidence from their 4-0 pumping of Everton at the weekend.

It will be interesting to see just how far they have come in such a short period of time against Amorim.

Can they upset the apple cart?

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Tuesday:

We are in a good run, we have good momentum again now and we have a big beautiful match tomorrow night. We’ve been in this situation almost from the start of the season and we always talk about the squad, the importance of everybody feeling important and the quality that we have within that and we’re going to have to continue to adapt to that because with the schedule that we have, every three days, games, until March, it’s going to happen.

So, very pleased that the team reacted and the team plays in the way it’s been playing, to win the games that we have done in a really convincing way, it’s very positive.

On Ruben Amorim's impact at Manchester United:

Well you can see his fingerprints [on the club], you know what he wants to do straight away, I think he’s been very clear. He’s been very successful with Sporting, it’s remarkable after so many years what he achieved there, especially in the way he did it and the way his teams have been playing. He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas and that’s always something that’s positive but we have to focus on what we have to do.

It feels like a very important night for Arsenal, doesn't it?

After a big blip in form at the start of November, the Gunners look back to their very best.

The goals are flowing once again with Martin Odegaard back in the side, and they have now won three matches on the spin.

However, they are still nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, who are away at Newcastle this evening.

You don't need me to tell you it's a very big gap.

It's not insurmountable, but Mikel Arteta's side will have to have a near-perfect festive period to stay in the hunt for that title.

If they drop points against Manchester United and Liverpool win again, their dreams of winning the Premier League will be hanging by a thread.

Will they continue their fine form?

I really can't express how excited I am for the night ahead, I just have a feeling it will be an epic.

We are now truly into the chaotic festive period of Premier League football, the next few weeks will be a little bit bonkers.

While we are focusing on just the Emirates and Villa Park tonight, there are four other matches going on tonight, and we have you covered in another blog, which you can find here.

Here is the full schedule:

• Everton vs Wolves, 19:30 GMT
• Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest, 19:30 GMT
• Newcastle vs Liverpool, 19:30 GMT
• Southampton vs Chelsea, 19:30 GMT
• Arsenal vs Manchester United, 20:15 GMT
• Aston Villa vs Brentford, 20:15 GMT

These are the type of nights football fans live for.

There are just some rivalries in football that make the whole country stop what they are doing and watch.

This is one of them.

Arsenal and Manchester United have played out some incredible battles over the years.

While the two clubs may sit hundreds of miles apart from each other, it doesn't make an impact on their distaste for each other.

Tonight Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of the rivalry as he takes his United side to London.

Meanwhile, up in the West Midlands Aston Villa look to finally get their season back on track against Brentford.

Midweek festive action does not get much better than this, you simply don't want to miss it.

Strap yourselves in, this is going to be a bumpy ride!