Key events
Charles Antaki Emails: “Thank you Michael Bowman for reminding us of Malcolm McDonald, an example of a type of player (see also: John Radford) unimaginable in a Arsenal shirt since the beginning of the Wenger era.
“You could try to shoehorn Robin Van Persie into that category, but I think you would find it difficult. Maybe John Hartson. But if Mikel Arteta is looking for a number nine, I doubt he has anyone close to any of those. It's probably sensible nowadays.
Victory for Arsenal tonight It would leave them with 61 points: one behind Manchester City and two behind the leader, Liverpool. They will all have played 27 games.
If the Gunners win tonight and then defeat Brentford next Saturday night at home, they would go top of the league ahead of Sunday's Super-est fixture between Liverpool and Manchester City on Sunday.
How's that for motivation to win tonight?
Thierry Henry he's commentating like a man possessed on Sky Sports. He sounds like an incredibly knowledgeable but somewhat overbearing physical education teacher.
Some lovely things available to read in our football section today. Jonathan Wilson, Sid Lowe, the lot:
Henrik Larsson Talking to Michael Butler is also a must-read:
“The last time I was in Bramall Lane with Arsenal we won 5-0,” he emails Michael Bowman. “Admittedly, that was in 1978 in the FA Cup and we had Malcolm McDonald.
“They accused me of being a southerner; I guess they could have chosen my New Zealand accent.”
Mark Christenson
city of manchester have said they have a “clear strategy” for their women's team after handing coach Gareth Taylor a contract extension until 2027.
Taylor, who was appointed head coach in 2020, has been under pressure at times during her tenure but the team is level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Women's Super League and has reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the semi-finals. -League Cup finals this season.
Regarding the first division title racehere's Barney Ronay on Phil Foden.
Any thoughts on tonight's game? Can send me an email.
“We think it's the right thing to do”Arteta said of being left with an unchanged team tonight.
Next question: What do you like most, given Arsenal's recent good form?
“The consistency we showed, the defensive strength and the aggression and determination. “We have generated (created) a lot.”
Mikel Arteta I also had a chat with the TV guys, with Thierry Henry alongside Jamie Carragher as experts tonight.
“They have made some changes during the matches,” says Arteta about Sheffield United and Wilder's reputation for creativity with his formations.
“We have to be adaptable. “The players have to have adaptability, understand where the space is going to be.”
Carragher asks: What's it like to see City and Liverpool win and then have to play on a Monday night? “There are a lot of changes at the moment,” says Arteta. “You are watching the games and expecting certain results, but we have to focus on what we can control.”
A smiling Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, chat with Sky Sports: “I have to say that whatever happens in terms of total points (possible deductions for Everton and Forest), your job as a professional footballer is to keep going until the end… we will get to the final whistle on the last day.
“We need to give our fans something to shout about. We haven't been good enough all season, especially in the last few home games.
“It's brilliant (to have George Baldock back on the bench)… people like Tom Davies, Oli McBurnie, they've played in this division, they know what nights like this are all about.
“I know, on nights like this, the place can get going… we need to get a platform in the game… we need to get off to a decent start.”
equipment
Two changes for the hosts, with the entry of Oli McBurnie and Tom Davies. “Arsenal” are unchanged since their 4-1 win against Newcastle last time, while Thomas Partey on the bench, available again after a long-term injury.
Sheffield United: Grbic, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Robinson, Bogle, Norwood, Vinicius Souza, Hamer, Tom Davies, McAtee, McBurnie. Substitutes: Baldock, Brereton, Foderingham, Osborn, Arblaster, Larouci, Osula, Brooks, Peck.
Arsenal: Raya, Blanco, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli. Substitutes: Ramsdale, Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Cedric, Trossard, Vieira, Nelson.
Referee: Sam Barrett
Preamble
Manchester City is in a row. Jurgen Klopp's rebooted Liverpool 3.0 has hit some serious way, also. Therefore, Arsenal's victory at Sheffield United tonight is non-negotiable if they are to maintain some lead in the top two.
The Gunners have had a productive run, mind you, and three points at Bramall Lane tonight would see Mikel Arteta's side win seven league titles in a row. There is also good news on the physical front as general midfielder Thomas Partey will be involved for the first time since October.
For the Blades, February was a very mixed month. They achieved victory against Rivals in Luton relegation battle, but conceded five goals at home not once but twice: first against Villa and then against Brighton. (He also sent five at home against the Seagulls at the end of January, in the FA Cup.)
They prop up the first division table with 13 points, the same as Burnley, which occupies 19th place, but has played one less game. Things are looking bleak, but could Chris Wilder have something up his sleeve to put some pressure on title-chasing Arsenal?
Start: 8pm UK time
