Neither side have been at their best during the opening three games of the Premier League season and both have dropped disappointing points. United have been woeful at times, and would count themselves lucky to have six points from nine, while Arsenal last weekend conceded an 87th-minute equaliser against 10-man Fulham.
Sunday&aposs meeting at the Emirates is the last game of the first chunk of the season, with its result likely dictating the mood among both sets of supporters during the international break. It means that despite being so early in the season, there is a feeling of huge importance.
Recent meetings between the two have been entertaining to say the least, with each of the last four producing four goals or more. Those four games have also always been won by the home side and Martinelli hopes to follow that pattern again.
Its always a tough game, Martinelli told Arsenal&aposs website. Were expecting a tough game and were ready for it. Weve been working hard and are going to try our best, playing at home with our fans, to win the game.
One of Arsenal&aposs surprise stars of the early season has been Fabio Vieira, who came off the bench to great effect against Fulham by winning a penalty and setting up Eddie Nketiah. The young midfielder will be hoping for a first start of the season and is hoping to be part of a historic rivalry.
