Arsenal's Samir Nasri not fearful of a Cristiano Ronaldo/Carlos Tevez-less Manchester United
Arsenal FC’s midfielder Samir Nasri has claimed that Manchester United have lost the fear factor, that they used to have in past years. Nasri attributed this to the departure of prolific strikers, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo and Tevez, both left the club at the end of 2008-2009 season for Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively.
Nasri said, “Manchester United is not the same team as before, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Tevez it was a little bit scary to play at Old Trafford. Now I don't think offensively they are the same as before, but still they are a good team and when they are
1-0 up it is very hard to beat them. We will see, but we are really confident to get a result out of this game.”
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Monday night to face the Red Devils in the English Premier League. The France international knows that United are a tough side to beat, especially when they are playing in front of their home crowd.
However, the Frenchman believes that the result of Monday’s clash can be in the favour of Gunners, if they manage to play to their potential.
He added, “The difference when we play away is that we defend much better. Our discipline and shape is more efficient when we play away. I am quite confident because we can play our game and we know we can score at any moment away. We have to reproduce this
kind of game at home and to be more efficient at home as well.”
Tensions are bound to rise on the pitch, once these two giants of English football lock horns in Manchester. Earlier this week, Manchester United’s left-back Patrice Evra regarded Arsenal as a ‘club under crisis’.
However, Samir has left all the talking to be done on the pitch. The 23-year old is in the form of his life having scored 8 goals in the Premier League this season, from midfield. Nasri, who has netted 4 league goals in the last 3 games, was also on the
score sheet in Arsenal’s midweek win over FK Partizan in the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal, who are on top of the standings in the English Premier League, could extend their lead over their archrivals if they emerge victorious in the upcoming battle. However, it will be a big ask to beat United, who are unbeaten in the league all season.
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