Who looks in better shape for top four finish after summer spending?
Arsenal’s place in the Premier League’s top four may be under serious threat this season as a new-look, much-improved Manchester United side look to re-establish themselves at the top of English football again after last year’s disappointments.
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Both sides spent heavily this summer, though it is no doubt United who stole the show in the summer transfer window, so how do they compare to the Gunners, player for player?
Goalkeeper: David dea Gea vs Wojciech Szczesny
Both among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League at the moment and undisuputed number ones for their respective sides. Manchester United’s David de Gea is arguably the more consistent and less error-prone, however, and gets the nod here.
Vote: de Gea
SEE ALSO: Angel di Maria in Manchester United’s most expensive ever XI.
Right-back: Antonio Valencia vs Mathieu Debuchy
Although a slightly different role for Antonio Valencia this season, the Ecuadorian player is effectively United’s equivalent to a right-back as he plays as a wing-back in Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system. However, he has not looked convincing so far, and Arsenal’s new signing Mathieu Debuchy looks the better option after joining from Newcastle United in the summer.
Vote: Debuchy
Left-back: Luke Shaw vs Kieran Gibbs
An expensive signing, one would expect Luke Shaw to get the nod here for Manchester United after his move from Southampton. While the England youngster is no doubt a great prospect, he is far from the finished article, while Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs is a highly under-rated player and deserving of more recognition.
Vote: Gibbs
Centre-back: Marcos Rojo vs Laurent Koscielny
An intriguing battle at centre-back between two fine defensive players. Marcos Rojo looks a good signing from Sporting Lisbon, though he has some way to go before overtaking Laurent Koscielny, who has been a great servant to Arsenal in recent years, and is one of the team’s most important players.
Vote: Koscielny
Centre-back: Daley Blind vs Per Mertesacker
A close call for the second centre-back spot, with Manchester United looking like landing themselves a gem in Daley Blind. The versatile Dutchman could be set to play a number of roles at the club this season, but is arguably most needed in central defence. Although Per Mertesacker has been solid for Arsenal, he is sometimes a little slow and unreliable, meaning Blind could overtake him soon.
Vote: Blind
Central midfield: Ander Herrera vs Mikel Arteta
Two similar, deep-lying, ball-playing defensive midfielders, there is little to pick between these two players. Still, while Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta may have more experience, he looks somewhat past his best, while Ander Herrera looks like a top signing and just what United needed in midfield.
Vote: Herrera
Central midfield: Darren Fletcher vs Aaron Ramsey
Two vastly different players, but that doesn’t make the decision to pick Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey much of a challenge. The Welshman has been absolutely superb in the last year or so, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and one who could make the difference for Arsenal’s ambitions this season.
Vote: Ramsey
Attacking midfield: Angel Di Maria vs Mesut Ozil
Two world class playmakers inexplicably ditched by Real Madrid in the space of a year, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil now battle it out for a place in this lineup. It must be said that Arsenal’s Ozil has not had the best of times in English football so far, while Di Maria arrives at Old Trafford on the back of a superb individual campaign for Real last season, playing a pivotal role in their Champions League and Copa del Rey successes.
Vote: Di Maria
Attacking midfield: Juan Mata vs Alexis Sanchez
Again, two players with slightly different roles for their respective teams, but based on recent form it would still have to be Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez who gets the nod here. The Chilean international is a highly exciting arrival in the Premier League this summer after some fine form for Barcelona last term, while Juan Mata looks to have gone backwards somewhat after leaving Chelsea earlier this year.
Vote: Sanchez
Striker: Wayne Rooney vs Olivier Giroud
Although Olivier Giroud is currently out injured, he remains one of only two real options upfront for Arsenal this season and must go head-to-head with United captain Wayne Rooney here. Still, while Rooney may be far from at his best at the moment, his potential is far higher and he gets the nod over the Frenchman.
Vote: Rooney
Striker: Radamel Falcao vs Danny Welbeck
One striker signed by Manchester United on deadline day, and one sold, it looks as though the Red Devils made a smart move with this piece of business as they offloaded squad player Danny Welbeck to Arsenal for £16m, whilst landing the world class goal poacher Radamel Falcao on loan for the year with a view to a permanent move. Welbeck may well go on to shine with the Gunners, but for now there’s only one choice.
Vote: Falcao
