Why Arteta Could Hold The Key For Arsenal vs Manchester United

The summer was a weird few months for Arsenal. Although Arsene Wenger landed a whopper in the shape of Mesut Ozil, he was unable to strengthen his frontline - apart from youngster Yaya Sanogo - and it's left him with just Nicklas Bendtner in reserve. But while Ozil has hogged the headlines, as well as Aaron Ramsey, there has been another face in the midfield that has sparkled - Mathieu Flamini.

The Frenchman returned to the club after leaving AC Milan and has been a huge part of Arsenal's success this term. He is currently sidelined with injury, however, and the man who is taking his place is doing a fine job.

Mikel Arteta has sunk into a deeper role again this season and he's been impeccable so far, minus a harsh sending off against Crystal Palace a few weeks ago.

Not only has the Spaniard won 12/19 of his headers, but he has also completed 94% of his passes. He was a huge reason why the Gunners were able to pick apart Liverpool last weekend - completing 99 passes and making six tackles - and if he does the same up at Old Trafford then the home side will struggle to create from the central areas.

It's likely that Arteta will have a part in stifling Wayne Rooney, who is in blistering form, so to retain the Scouser would be a huge spanner in the works for David Moyes.

If Arteta turns up this afternoon like he has done on so many occasions over the last year, then United's job in hand will certainly be a lot harder.