If it’s statistics you want, Saturday’s match between the two most successful clubs in Premier League history is the place for them. Arsenal are undefeated in 24 league and cup games; Manchester United have not dropped a point since August 19.

Arsenal are the only club to have scored in every Premier League match so far this season; Manchester United have scored four goals in each of their last three league matches.

Arsenal have the strongest attack in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals in 10 games; United have the tightest defence, conceding only four goals in 11 games.

'After Sunday’s draw at Liverpool, Arsene Wenger made it clear that he has the league title in mind'


Emmanuel Adebayor is Arsenal’s top Premier League marksman with six goals, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez are Manchester United’s leading Premier League scorers, with four each.

I could go on but suffice to say that both clubs are at the top of their form and playing exciting football. So who will win what has the potential to be the best game of the season so far? Some pundits are suggesting that neither team will want to risk too much on this game. A draw would hurt neither so it may be that the pundits will be proved right and the game will be played warily by both sides.

But after Sunday’s draw at Liverpool, Arsene Wenger made it clear that he has the title in mind when he said:  “We have the talent to fight up there for the championship.” On the other hand, this early in the season, an upset, if calamitous enough, could cause more serious damage than just the dropping of a few points.

The downturn in Arsenal’s fortunes expected following Thierry Henry’s departure hasn’t happened. If anything it’s given the team a new impetus with midfielder Cesc Fabregas controlling the game. Wenger said: “The change from last season is that the players are growing. They are very young, the confidence is as strong as the belief.”

A team that hasn’t been beaten will be confident . It’s easy when you’re winning. But if that team goes out and throws everything at Manchester United and loses, what price their confidence then? Confidence in defeat is the real sign of maturity. How well does Wenger know his side? Can he and they risk taking the chances they need to take to get past Manchester’s defence? Will Wenger want to risk that?

United have the benefit of experience. They’re a side who have learned to deal quickly with defeat, to put it behind them and move on. They’re ready to put the young pretenders in their place.

With both teams in superb form, it’s only Arsenal’s home record - they’ve lost only once since moving into the Emirates Stadium - that tips the scales in their favour.

But what spectators and fans across the world will be hoping is that this will be a game played to be won, that the thrills that both teams have provided in recent games will continue and that the skills that all players have in abundance will be on show.

To play for a draw, or even to settle for a draw, shouldn’t be an option. Not for future league champions.

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