**Arsenal**return to Premier League action for the first time in a week and a half against Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend.
The Gunners go into the game struggling for form in the division following a 1-0 loss to West Ham and 0-0 draw to league table rivals Nottingham Forest.
Following a huge 7-1 win by Mikel Arteta's side in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday over PSV Eindhoven, **Arsenal**will look for revenge with a win in **Manchester**after a penalty shootout loss to the Red Devils in January's **FA Cup**tie in North London.
Ahead of this Sunday's clash, former Gunners forward Jeremie Aliadiere spoke on the role of youth in Arsenal's season, what Liverpool's Premier League dominance means for the team and his former side's chances in winning the Champions League this season.
The 41-year-old French forward joined the North London side in 1999 as a 16-year-old talent and spent sporadic time in the first team from 2001 to 2007, racking up 51 appearances for the club.
During Aliadiere's spell at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, the fixture against Manchester United was the fiercest clash in the country as two titans of English football went head to head for the title.
Aliadiere has spoke about the increase in intensity before the tie in training during the week leading up to the match and what the manager would say before a big game.
“The training in the week before playing Man United was more intense. All the squad knew it was a massive and crucial game coming up when Man United was on the weekend.
The manager didn’t have to say much as the players took it upon themselves to ensure everyone of us were ready. Training was similar whether it was Man Utd or another team, but the squad was always ready for a big game.”
A lack of firepower too much for Arsenal to handle?
Manchester United have struggled against the Gunners in recent years, failing to beat them over 90 minutes since a win at Old Trafford at the start of the 2022/23 season, nearly three years ago.
Whilst the Red Devils' endless Premier League struggles see **Arsenal**as the favourites, the Gunners injury crisis up front along with an FA Cup defeat to their opponents in January could turn the tides for United.
Aliadiere discussed who can show up for Mikel Arteta's side during this tricky period and what they can do to get a result in Manchester.
"Every game for Arsenal is tough with no strikers available so It’s up to the likes of Trossard, Odegaard to really show their class and with young Nwaneri getting an extended run in the team, he can look to get on the scoresheet as well.
Set pieces again will become key for Arsenal as defensively Arsenal remain strong, so with Man Utd in a poor run of form, Arsenal can go there and get a good result.”
Title Hopes killed by Injuries
Arsenal's season was derailed with key injuries over the winter period to star attackers such as Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Whilst the league title seems unattainable with **Arsenal**16 points behind Liverpool, Aliadiere still believes it's important for his former side to get some of these players back and close the gap as much as possible.
“Yes, once Arsenal have these two players back they can close the gap on Liverpool for sure. Unfortunately, the gap at the top is likely too big for Arsenal to win the league now.
*“It’s a shame Arsenal have been struck down with this striker injury crisis at such a crucial part of the season and defeat to West Ham, culminating with Liverpool’s win at Man City was the nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s title hopes this season.*
“However, all Arsenal can do is look to finish as close to Liverpool as possible and secure second spot again.”
A costly lack of recruitment
Due to the timing of injuries to **Bukayo Saka**and Gabriel Jesus in mid-December and early January respectively, **Arsenal**received criticism from fans for not recruiting up front in the winter transfer window.
The lack of signings has shown in recent weeks with the Gunners last six halves of football in the league ending with them failing to score.
“Looking right now, then it is a little puzzling why Arsenal didn’t go into the transfer market in January, even if it was a loan signing.
“The drop off from the four injured players has been evident and although Havertz injury was late in the month, Arsenal are lacking in fire power.
“I know recruitment is vital for the club to choose the right player, so all I can imagine is that Arsenal didn’t have available the players they wanted to sign.
"I am confident Arsenal will recruit in the striker department in the summer which bodes for an interesting time ahead to see who Arsenal choose.
“The squad has so much quality so any additions will further strengthen the team in a bid to win silverware.”
It’s looking likely that the Champions League is Arsenal’s only hope for success this season, after a strong 7-1 win away from home against PSV it is all but confirmed that the Gunners will be travelling to **Spain**to play **Atletico**or Real Madrid in the Quarter Finals.
The North London side have not met the European champions Real Madrid since 2006, a season where they became the first English side to beat them at the Santiago Bernabeu and subsequently reaching their only UCL final.
Aliadiere believes it will be tough for his former side but the return of key players will be vital to European success.
“It will be tough, very tough. Champions League nights are the best, and the crowd and players will be right up for this as Arsenal look to get back to the quarter finals.
“From there on it’s likely to be Real Madrid, Liverpool and possibly Barcelona. Arsenal will need Saka and Martinelli back for these as they pose a massive threat for Arsenal.”
Arsenal's Hale End Heroes
The Gunners have had a rough time of it this season which has been riddled by injuries, controversial decisions, inconsistent form and at times frustrating football.
It's hard to disagree that the brightest spark from the 2024/25 campaign has been the involvement of youth academy products Myles Lewis-Skelly (18) and Ethan Nwaneri (17) at left-back and right-wing respectively.
The young English duo have taken to Mikel Arteta's project like senior players with Lewis-Skelly tipped as a favourite to be called up for Thomas Tuchel's first England squad later this month.
Aliadiere has plenty of insight on this subject having joined the academy in North London aged 16 in 1999 and spending 2 years developing in it, recognising the huge weight youth players hold at the club.
“Arsenal is known for its academy and bringing through excellent young and well balanced talent and the pathway is there should the young players perform in training and for the academy.
“It’s an honour to play for such a club like Arsenal and coming through the ranks, these young players have a real love for the club.
“Myles Lewis-Skelly* and Ethan Nwaneri have shown excellent composure and gone about their business on the pitch with real maturity. They have a very bright future ahead. They haven’t been phased by the Premier League or Champions League, challenging for the title and competing in Europe’s major competition.”*
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