A highly anticipated clash saw league leaders Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon. With Arsenal looking to maintain their lead over Manchester City and Manchester United aiming to continue their strong form under new boss Michael Carrick, the stakes were high.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made four changes to the team that secured a 3-1 Champions League victory against Inter Milan in midweek. Piero Hincapie returned from a muscular injury to start at left-back, replacing Myles Lewis-Skelly. Gabriel also returned to the back four, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard rejoined Martin Zubimendi in midfield. Gabriel Jesus, who scored twice against Inter Milan, retained his place up front. Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Christian Norgaard were not included in the matchday squad despite returning to training on Friday.

Manchester United, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged XI from the side that defeated local rivals Manchester City 2-0 last weekend. Former Arsenal player Ayden Heaven was named among the substitutes.

Before the game, Manchester United fan groups protested against the club's ownership, increasing pressure on co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. The 1958 supporters group expected over 6,000 fans to participate in the demonstration.

The match kicked off at 4:30 PM (16:30 GMT). Arsenal's starting lineup featured Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, and Jesus. Manchester United's lineup included Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Dorgu, Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amad, and Mbeumo.