Your last point is irrelevant and shouldn't come into it--he's never made himself unavailable for selection. That is his manager's decision. The fact that he isn't getting 15 assists and 10 goals a season doesn't somehow make his previous charity work mere 'piggybacking'.

And why is Özil 'constantly in the media'? Is it "despite" or because he has been frozen out?

Don't fancy us at all against Utd. Can't honestly remember the last time we played really well. The Cup Final maybe and that was more about doggedly stifling the opposition, who were strangely out of sorts on the day, and taking our limited chances than any great attacking display.

I don't count Dundalk and even then the most encouraging moments came from kids and players who don't normally start.

I am expecting another dogged defensive display today with limited chances for us and the result depending on whether we can take those chances.

If we get tonked I think the pressure will begin to build on Arteta. You can see what he wants to do and where he wants to go but will he be given that kind of time if we remain out of the top 6 for too long?

I agree that outside the cups our performances have been of concern. I struggle to understand what our game plans are and how we transition from a defensive to attacking role. There are a lot of easy comparisons to draw with a Tony Pulis managed team. Not sure where our pressing game has disappeared to and we are too slow moving forward . The team is looking like any later Wenger or Emery teams with a lot of sideways and passes backwards.

There are stats that show we are the slowest progressive side forward when attacking. I really hope that is Arteta’s means to an end rather than his preferred style of play

I'm guessing Arteta is shoring up the defense as his priority. We leak goals and we leak goals when it seems no matter the strength of the opposition when they press forward we give up a goal. We have had varied success in attack over the last few years. Aubameyang, for example, one of the best Arsenal scorers in a while. But we leaked like old bucket.
Defending has the priority now. We have enough in attack to sneak a goal against anyone, Liverpool and City included. I'm not sure I can think of any PL side we can keep a clean sheet against comfortably. However, I think we can score against anyone.

Has anyone read the Arsene biography “My Life in Red and White”?

I’m about halfway through and it’s a struggle. It is unbelievably boring. No emotion but rather a series of I did this, then I did that.

Bernard Tapie? Not a mention.

Oh for the days of Brian Glanville.

I've read a lot of it and you're right it is pretty dull. I didn't expect Wenger to come out and tell all the juicy stories on how he hated Ferguson and Jose etc but I thought there would be a little bit more detail on some of the things that went on behind the scene, some of the 'nearly' transfers, some of the detail behind some important wins and defeats, the heartbreaking sales we had to make.....the last minute trolley dash following the 8-2 at OT - but it's all quite factual.

It’s funny you should say this because I’m reading it right now and was about to post the same thing. I’m on chapter “my life at Arsenal my home” and I have to say the whole things far from illuminating, seems low on details and revelation. In the chapter I’m reading he’s just listed his notable signings which seem to have included Coquelin and Cygan doing this seems poorly conceived.

I’d say so far the books a complete non event. The most interesting thing so far is he revealed the name of David Deins boat.

I'm expecting 3 CB today. If so I'd like to see:
Leno
Mustafi - Gabriel - Tierney
Bellerin - Partey - Xhaka - AMN
Pépé - Aubameyang - Saka
Or Saka at left wing back and Willian in but I like the pace AMN gives

LTG, Rich and Top Gun. Thanks for your observations on Wenger’s book. You’ve just made me glad I’ve decided not to buy or read it.

Credit to Villa for never giving up.

You’re more than welcome.
“Addicted” it certainly isn’t.

Final chapter details Arsenes affair with Katie price, his drinking sessions with Gazza and Chris Evans and his passion for drum and bass music.

Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, saka, Elneny, partey, willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang

Elneny is a surprise. Holding back sooner than most thought. And feel lacazette is a touch lucky to start

I said weeks ago after we lost to liverpool when he got took off I genuinely think Arteta has had a lightbulb moment with xhaka. He’s realised you can’t have a player that immobile in midfield againest the big clubs or you will be over run in midfield

Ordinarily Bernard I’d urge you to read it and make your own mind up however I’ve just finished it and it’s without a doubt the most boring football book I’ve ever read.

Thinking back to Perry Groves book I thought perry came across as a complete cocky snide throughout his read but at least some parts were entertaining. (I believe he’s not actually like this but it’s just how it read to me)

Addicted remains the most interesting football book to me. Many of them have been disappointing especially sols.

First 15 dominating the ball. One dangerous cross from Bellerin that just eluded Aubameyang, otherwise though not much for De Gea to worry about.

Classic even it up yellow card from Mike Dean. Although Holding might have been lucky not to get a yellow earleir

The back line carrying 2 yellows will be an issue.

Tierney's passing has been off.

Willian hits the bar. We are well on top

I like our tempo. We're being a positive side, driving forward. Just missing a final pass.

The thing that frustrates me with this game is Man U have made a lot of fouls that the ref has rightly played advantage with....but when it comes to totting up fouls for yellow cards for persistent fouling all those advantage fouls will be forgotten

Argh we’re wasting too many situations and chances. You can feel the sucker punch on the counter happening again here.

We should be at least 1 up

Playing really well, with pace and determination. Our whole game seems so much quicker and more focused.

Keep it up lads

Good first half from us and a bit unlucky with a few deflections. You just know those feckers will get a peno in the second half.

Happy to see Elneny instead of Xhaka. And Elneny is playing well.

We are moving the ball forward faster, I like it.

We've played surprisingly well but haven't taken our chances.

No surprise if it come back to bit us on the backside.

Thomas Partey will rightly get the plaudits so far but El Nenny has been decent and far more progressive in the final 3rd where he’s passing and moving. Best midfield performance in ages so far in my opinion

I agree, much more energy and fluidity.

That gets my vote.

Partey has been different class in that half

Pépé for Willian for me.

Hopefully not famous last words but....

Our play out from the back involving Leno has looked loads better today. Far more calm and controlled.

Wow! Mike Dean gives us a penalty, and at Old Trafford.

Yesssssssss!

Wow.

We deserve that lead

We must hold this. This is huge

Hasn’t Gabriel been a wonder signing? An absolute steal.