Manchester United and Arsenal are set to lock horns once again, adding another chapter to one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in Premier League history.
Over the years, this fixture has delivered countless unforgettable moments, from legendary goals to dramatic confrontations that have shaped English football.
Football analyst Adrian Kajumba revisits some of the most iconic encounters between Manchester United and Arsenal, reflecting on the intense battles, memorable goals, and individual performances that defined this historic clash.
One of Arsenal’s most cherished Premier League title wins came in the 1997/98 season, where they overcame a 13-point deficit to snatch the championship from Manchester United. The turning point arrived at Old Trafford in March 1998 when Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory, thanks to Marc Overmars’ late goal. Arsène Wenger later recalled, “The title which meant the most was in 1997/98. I realized we would win the title when we won at Manchester United.” The Gunners went on to claim the league by a single point, marking a significant shift in English football’s power dynamics.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal has produced some of the Premier League’s most spectacular goals. Thierry Henry’s sublime flick-and-volley strike against United in 2000/01 remains one of the defining moments of his illustrious career. The Frenchman, facing away from goal, flicked the ball up and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Fabien Barthez. “Sometimes, when you haven’t been scoring, you need to try something [wild],” Henry later remarked. That goal wasn’t just about skill; it symbolized Arsenal’s flair and attacking prowess.
In the 2001/02 season, Arsenal sealed their title triumph in the most poetic way possible—beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. A second-half goal from Sylvain Wiltord confirmed a 1-0 victory, securing the league title for Arsenal and extending their unbeaten away run throughout the campaign. The result also ensured that United, who had dominated English football for years, finished third behind Liverpool.
Manchester United got their revenge in 2004, ending Arsenal’s historic 49-game unbeaten run in a heated clash at Old Trafford. The match was decided by a controversial penalty, converted by Ruud van Nistelrooy, and a late Wayne Rooney goal on his 19th birthday. The tension boiled over post-match in what became known as “Pizzagate,” with Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas later admitting to throwing a slice of pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson.
One of the most iconic personal duels in this rivalry was between captains Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira. Their confrontations were legendary, with one of the most famous incidents occurring in the tunnel before a game at Highbury. Vieira confronted Gary Neville, prompting an explosive reaction from Keane, who had to be restrained by the referee. That match, fittingly, turned into a high-octane contest that Manchester United won 4-2.
More recently, in the 2022/23 season, Arsenal and Manchester United produced a classic encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Marcus Rashford’s stunning opener was canceled out by Eddie Nketiah, before Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead. Lisandro Martinez equalized for United, but Nketiah’s dramatic 90th-minute winner sent Arsenal fans into euphoria and kept their title ambitions alive.
With Manchester United and Arsenal meeting again, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate another thrilling battle between two of England’s most storied clubs. Whether it’s breathtaking goals, heated clashes, or title-defining moments, this rivalry never disappoints.
