Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s rivalry with Manchester United is not as high-tempered as it once was but, with VAR keeping a tighter leash on players’ on-pitch behaviour, he says it is not a unique phenomenon.
Particularly during Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson’s respective times in charge of the two clubs, Arsenal against United became one of the most heated fixtures in English football.
Events such as the 2003 ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ and Cesc Fabregas’s infamous ‘Pizzagate’ incident fuelled the flames as the two clubs jostled for supremacy under two legendary managers.
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Both clubs have, of course, experienced leaner years in terms of on-field success in recent seasons.