Two giants of English football seeking better form meet on Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities so far despite flashes of quality.

The Gunners dominated possession against Fulham but were exposed twice on the break in a 2-2 draw. United conceding early again before rallying dramatically to beat Forest.

This sets up an intriguing tactical battle. Arsenal will look to dictate through clever passers like Odegaard. But United's blistering pace on the counter could trouble Arsenal's shaky defense.

Midfield control will be vital, with Partey and Odegaard key for Arsenal. But Casemiro and Eriksen have the quality to gain the upper hand for United.

With both teams still working out issues in defense and attack, this could come down to which of the flawed giants makes fewer mistakes on the day.

Arsenal vs Manchester United

The match will take place on Sunday, 3rd September, 2023, at Emirates Stadium, in Holloway, London, England.

Gunners Fire Blanks Again as Cottagers Earn Gutsy Point

Arsenal huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the Cottagers' house down as Fulham held on for a spirited 2-2 draw at the Emirates. The Gunners dominated but failed to find their shooting boots against the plucky visitors.

Hopes were high after Arsenal's perfect start, but this match quickly became a horror show for Mikel Arteta's men. Less Hollywood blockbuster, more low budget B-movie before Fulham's late smash and grab sequel.

The action started at breakneck speed when the visitors snatched the lead after just 57 seconds. It was a defensive horror show from Arsenal as Pereira's curler put Fulham one up.

Arteta wore a face like a distressed emoji in the dugout as his side responded like headless chickens. They swarmed forward but lacked composure, passing up gilt-edged chances galore.

New boy Kai Havertz ran around looking more confused than a toddler at a calculus class. While midfield dynamo Thomas Partey seemed unsure whether to stick or twist positionally.

The constant cajoling and arm-flailing from Arteta suggested all was not well in the Arsenal ranks. But slowly they began to dominate like an obstinate big brother confiscating the ball.

Eddie Nketiah replaced the ineffective Trossard at half time as Arsenal sought more cutting edge. The hosts cranked up the pressure, but continued to misfire in the finish.

Bukayo Saka buried a penalty to finally level things up after the break. Relief washed over the Emirates like a cool breeze on a hot day.

But Arsenal's defensive frailties came back to bite them once again. Palhinha's bullet header stunned the Gunners and silenced the arena - talk about a show-stopping moment.

Try as they might, Arsenal couldn't force a late winner and had to settle for a point. While Fulham celebrated a hard-fought draw like they'd won the FA Cup.

There were positives in spells for the Gunners in an open contest full of twists and turns. New boys Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira showed flashes of quality when introduced.

But defensive lapses and recurring finishing woes remain a huge concern for Arteta. Arsenal are still very much a work in progress.

They dominated proceedings but failed to land the knockout blow. That lack of ruthlessness gave gutsy Fulham a lifeline to snatch an unlikely point right at the death. On the balance of play Arsenal deserved more. But against committed opponents, the Gunners fired too many blanks and remained stuck in second gear.

Comeback Kings United Leave It Late to Fell Forest

Man United produced another dramatic late revival to see off 10-man Nottingham Forest in a six-goal thriller. Just when the wheels looked set to come off, the Red Devils rallied to claim a vital victory.

United's start was more dreadful than Monday morning traffic on the M25. Forest scored twice inside five minutes to leave Erik ten Hag's men stunned and reeling.

The manager's face was more miserable than Eeyore the donkey after those early concessions. Particularly the second which came from a comical free header that Casemiro somehow managed to lose.

United had been sluggish out the blocks like teenagers on a Monday morning. So going two down so soon left Ten Hag fuming like Zeus after a bad day in the clouds.

But credit to United, they rolled up their sleeves like handymen ready to fix a faulty boiler. Bit by bit, they hauled themselves back into it thanks to skipper Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese dynamo was United's conductor, switching play and leading the charge. His driving runs and pinpoint passing pushed United back into it.

When his shot was spilled, Christian Eriksen - who else? - was there to poke home like a naughty kid stealing cookies from the jar.

Eriksen's strike lifted the stadium and wiped the frowns off United fans' faces quicker than a stand-up comedian's best gag.

After his early shocker, Casemiro redeemed himself with a scruffy equalizer. The Brazilian almost tripped over the ball before bundling it home in ungainly fashion.

Despite the fightback, United's defending remained more suspect than a shifty cat trying to look innocent. Only smart stops from keeper Andre Onana prevented Forest restoring their lead.

Yet just when it seemed United had pulled themselves out of the quicksand, they shot themselves in the foot again.

Captain Fernandes was hauled down in the box to earn a penalty and see Forest reduced to 10 men. Never one to shirk the limelight, Bruno stepped up to smash home the winner.

It was another backs to the wall job, but United got over the line to claim three vital points. On this evidence, nobody can question the team's character or resilience.

But Ten Hag will know reinforcements are still needed if United are to challenge the best. Defensive lapses and sloppy mistakes continue to plague them.

United ended as relieved as a nervous groom seeing his bride walk down the aisle. It wasn't pretty, but thanks to Fernandes' heroics, United lived to fight another day.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Predicted Lineup: Aaron Ramsdale, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Ben White, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka

Man United Predicted Lineup: André Onana, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Aron Wan-Bissaka, Eriksen, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Anthony Martial

Key Battles

• Gabriel vs Rashford - Pace and movement vs physicality and positioning

• Partey vs Eriksen - Steel vs craft in central midfield

• Saka vs Dalot - Arsenal's main threat against United's flying fullback