Divided loyalties as Man United, Arsenal clash

For English Premier League fans in Zimbabwe, this might just be the biggest match of the season.The 90s and 2000s saw the premier league’s popularity explode, coinciding with the peak of the Arsenal vs Manchester United rivalry.

Though Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are long gone, their legacies continue to ignite a fierce animosity between these two historic clubs whenever they clash.

Sunday’s match promises no less. Manchester United has the chance to derail Arsenal’s title charge. The Gunners lead the table with 83 points after 36 games while Manchester City sits just behind on 82 points with three matches remaining.

City’s reputation for strong finishes means Arsenal can’t afford any slip-ups in their final two games.

One point separates the top two teams, with Arsenal having played one more match. Two wins for the Gunners, against United and Everton, would see them finish on 89 points, putting immense pressure on defending champions Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side can reach 91 points with victories in their remaining games, but any stumbles will open the door for Arsenal due to their superior goal difference.

Historically, Arsenal has struggled at Old Trafford, winning only once in their last 16 visits (with 10 defeats and five draws). Still, the team’s fans remain hopeful.

Saturday Chronicle spoke to fans, media personalities, and artists who follow these clubs religiously to get their insights on the upcoming clash.

“United would love nothing more than to derail Arsenal’s title charge and for Arsenal, it may be a chance to humiliate their struggling old foes.

It’s a huge match and form usually counts for little when it comes to these fixtures but unless Marcus Rashford continues his goal-scoring form against the Gunners, United might not have enough to repel the Arsenal artillery,” said Bruce Ndlovu.

Arts Guru Nkululeko Nkala who is an Arsenal fanatic also weighed in on the matter.
“Arsenal are football harmony and Manchester United have been at their worst this season but football can be cruel.

On paper we, the gunners, are firm favourites to embarrass them and keep City on their toes but we could be disappointed. I see a hard-fought 3-1 victory for Arsenal,” said Nkala.
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, who is known for his social media banter, particularly against Arsenal, believes Arsenal will be defeated on Sunday.

“It’s a difficult game for both teams but for Manchester United, the 4-0 demolition by Crystal Palace in their last league match will be their greatest inspiration and motivation as they would certainly not want to lose two games in a row. My apologies to Arsenal fans,” said Moyo.

Another Manchester United fan Bongani Ndlovu said: “In no way must Manchester United give a helping hand to Arsenal winning the league. The Red Devils must beat Arsenal at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams for the Red part of Manchester, and the Theatre of Nightmares for the North Londoners.

Although we know that Manchester United has been poor this season, I don’t think they will hand the title to Arsenal on a silver platter. I can’t wait for Sunday.”

Thulani “Javas” Sibanda who never hides his love for the Red Devils had no kind words for Arsenal.“The weekend clash with Arsenal will be a true definition of ‘If throwing sand was a football team.

’ As Manchester United fans we are better off accepting Manchester City as champions than letting the loud-mouthed Arsenal win it.

We are winning by five goals,” said Sibanda.Liverpool fan, Moreblessings Mangezi admits despite his neutrality, he can’t help but lean slightly towards Arsenal.“I would rather have Arsenal win the league than Manchester United winning games.

We have not had the best of seasons ourselves but the Man United misery this term is better consolation.”The match kicks off at 5.30pm local time.
— @innocentskizoe