Biggest test for Arsenal

29 August, 2009 16:57:00

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“I think if you play for Arsenal in the Premier League, every game is a hard game.

The Gunners have scored 10 goals in their first two matches but will be up against a defence that has helped secure a record-equalling three straight league titles and let in just one goal in three games so far this time.

But the biggest clash may be at the other end, where defender Thomas Vermaelen will be up against the in-form Wayne Rooney.

Vermaelen has excelled in central defence alongside William Gallas since joining in July and is looking forward to what may be his toughest match of the season.

“I have not played against him yet, it’s my first time,” Vermaelen said. “I’m not nervous. Every player looks forward to playing these types of games.

“I think if you play for Arsenal in the Premier League, every game is a hard game. In Holland, sometimes you had a game at home which was easy, but here you fight very hard,” he added.

Rooney has scored four goals in four matches for United, including two in the 5-0 win at Wigan that the team is hoping has sparked its season into life after a dull 1-0 win over Birmingham and a shock 1-0 loss to Burnley.

Rooney’s move into the central attacking role he enjoys for England is the key for United following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. The England player is likely to start at Old Trafford alongside Dimitar Berbatov — with Michael Owen on the bench despite his first club goal against Wigan.

Arsenal is on a high after beating Celtic 5-1 over two matches to reach the group stage of the Champions League, but United may be fresher after not playing in midweek.

United won last season’s title largely because of its superb record against the Premier League’s lesser teams — taking 70 from a possible 72 points against the bottom 12 clubs.

Victory could take either team to top of the table, though current leader Tottenham is hosting Birmingham on Saturday and could stay there itself.

Chelsea is tied with Tottenham on a maximum nine points and hosts Burnley on Saturday, while Liverpool is at Bolton and desperate to avoid a third loss from four games.

Defeats at Tottenham and at home to Aston Villa have left Liverpool mid-table with three points. — AP