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Reason for surprise Unai Emery decision in Arsenal's clash with Man United revealed
UNAI EMERY has revealed the reason for his attack-heavy starting XI for Arsenal's match with Manchester United.
The Spaniard employed both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners’ top goalscorer this season, and France hitman Alexandre Lacazette from the outset of Arsenal's clash with Manchester United.
Mesut Ozil also retained his place in the starting XI to further boost the north Londoners’ attacking options.
Emery’s decision to go ultra-attacking perplexed many observers, especially considering how vulnerable his troops were on the counterattack to United in January.
The Spaniard was asked to shed some light on his selection choice moments before kick-off and revealed he made full use of Arsenal’s firepower in order to have ‘balance’ up front.
“Good afternoon," he told Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves. "But first also, I’m going to say to the fans that it’s not only about attacking moment.
“We need to take the balance.
“But we decided today to play with both in the attacking third.
“But above all is to take the balance and to get a moment, attacking moment, with every player. And with the rear players the same, in the defensive moment.”
Above all is to take the balance and to get a moment, attacking moment, with every player
Arsenal went into their clash with United on the back of a 3-1 loss to Rennes in the Europa League.
United, meanwhile, entered the contest following a dramatic 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.
Emery was impressed by United’s heroics at the Parc des Princes and fully expected the Red Devils to give his side a real run for their money.
“They are in a very good moment but we are together in the table,” the Spaniard said.
“We played against them one month ago in the FA Cup, we lost 3-1 but I remember we did very good things, created chances.
“We know Sunday is a tough match and it is for everybody an amazing match with very good players and we are going to play at home with our supporters.
“We need to have a very big performance from each player and tactically like a team but I am looking forward also to playing against a team like Manchester United and how they are in this moment with each player – very big confidence after the PSG match.
“But with our supporters, I want to create a big atmosphere, a positive atmosphere for us and help us to give us the best and strongest support for the match.”