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Arsenal news: Unai Emery forces Gunners stars to do one thing ahead of Man Utd clash
ARSENAL manager Unai Emery has been toughening up his players in anticipation of an aerial bombardment when the Gunners take on Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight (8pm).
Man United v Arsenal Premier League clash preview
Arsenal players were spotted practising how to repel set-pieces during their latest training session ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The Gunners are unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions and will look to continue their hot streak against a Red Devils outfit struggling with injuries.
Coming off the back of an emphatic 4-2 win over Tottenham in the north London derby, Unai Emery’s men are keen to maintain the momentum by planning for every eventuality before meeting United.
Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for his negative style of play this season, with direct football up to the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini proving most effective.
United star Paul Pogba has been among one of the most vocal dissenters, with the Frenchman stripped of the vice-captaincy after publicly urging his side to be more attacking.
Such controversy is unlikely to sway Mourinho, so his counterpart Emery has been drilling the Arsenal players to be better at defending set-pieces.
Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi were two stars pictured dropping back as a defensive unit under a high ball, with the duo expected to be partnered in central midfield.
Guendouzi would be a direct replacement for Granit Xhaka after the Swiss international picked up a one-match suspension following his fifth yellow card of the season.
Xhaka is Arsenal’s primary corner taker but Emery appears to have allocated Torreira and full-back Sead Kolasinac the set-piece duties in his absence.
Meanwhile, Rob Holding was spotted getting to grips with a very large training mannequin before appearing to direct his team-mates to hold a defensive line.
The Gunners’ hard work at London Colney was rewarded by two thumbs up from manager Emery, with the squad looking very relaxed during the session.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in particular was all smiles after his double against Spurs, but even the Gabon speedster couldn’t escape the attentions of Shkodran Mustafi as one training drill descended into a bundle.