Jermaine Pennant Previews Manchester United vs Arsenal

Just like that, we’re back - another season of Premier League mayhem and chaos begins, with this weekend’s flagship fixture taking place at Old Trafford. A classic clash steeped in history, drama, red cards, pizza-throwing, and end-to-end football.

Manchester United host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in their season opener, hoping for a far stronger campaign than last year’s disappointing 15th-place finish under Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Arsenal will aim to start their title charge with a win over their rivals. We caught up with former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant to preview the match and look ahead to the Gunners’ season.

Will New Signings Make United Stronger?

In recent years, Arsenal have gone into games against United as clear favourites. But Pennant believes that could change after United’s summer business. The additions of Premier League-proven talents Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, along with prolific Bundesliga striker Benjamin Šeško, could bring the attacking spark they lacked last season. Many are expecting big things from the Slovenian. Bookmakers have him at 21/10 to score on Saturday (work out your winnings here).

“United will be stronger this year, especially going forward. Defensively there will be question marks but attacking wise they’ve signed great players in Mbuemo and Cunha. Now they’ve signed Sesko who is a proven goal scorer in the Bundesliga and fits the number nine profile they’ve been crying out for.”

“United will be a threat so it will be a tough test for Arsenal. A tougher test than they would have had in recent seasons against United but Arsenal have the power to win the league.”

Is It Now or Never for Arsenal?

After three near-misses, Pennant believes Arsenal must finally deliver silverware this season. With two recent second-place finishes behind Manchester City and another behind Liverpool last season, the pressure is on.

“I think when you’re a big club like Arsenal there comes a point where silverware does start to matter because you don’t get anything coming second or for third. For me, second, third and fourth are kind of the same thing.”

“Now it all boils down to silverware. When you see Palace winning the FA Cup for the first time and Newcastle the Carabao Cup after 72 years without glory you start to get annoyed that you’re not seeing progression trophy wise.”

“Second and then second again is great because you know how to compete but then another second place finish and you start to question whether the manager is the guy or if he can take the club to the next level.”

“Arsenal now need to win silverware whether it’s a Cup, the Champions League or the Premier League. They have to win something.”

“Slot took over a Jurgen Klopp team which finished third? And then only added Chiesa. One signing. With the same team that finished third. He then went on to win the league. You’ve got to question Arsenal because that might have been their best opportunity with City falling off and Chelsea off the boil. Now everyone is getting stronger.”

Why Arsenal Must Keep Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli’s 2022/23 season remains one of the most exciting individual campaigns of Arsenal’s recent history. Since then, however, the Brazilian has struggled to recapture that form.

“It’s frustrating with Martinelli because you know he’s got it in him. You know it’s there. He’s shown what he’s capable of but he’s just not been consistent enough. He’s got all the ability and he can jink past players but in the final third when he’s got to make the final cross or pass or he’s in front of goal he’s lacking.”

“It can be very frustrating but for me you’ve got to keep him because if you find the Martinelli from the 2022/23 season you’ve got one hell of a player on the left hand side.”

Havertz vs Gyökeres: The Number Nine Battle

The signing of Victor Gyökeres has sparked debate about how he and Kai Havertz fit into the same side. For Pennant, the answer is straightforward - the position is Gyökeres’ to lose.

“Gyokeres has got to be the main number nine but it’s down to him. If he comes in and he’s scoring goals then it tells its own story. But if things aren’t going well then Kai Havertz will come in and he knows his role. It’s all down to Gyokeres.”

Pennant’s Advice for Max Dowman

Now one of Arsenal’s pre-season revelations has been 15-year-old Max Dowman, whose cameos against AC Milan, Newcastle, and Spurs have caught the eye. His fearlessness in taking on senior pros has impressed fans and pundits alike. Pennant, who knows what it’s like to be a teenage prodigy, offered some advice.

“Max and these youngsters today have a fearlessness and it’s like they’ve been playing against men their entire life. When I made my debut against Middlesbrough I was 16 and I was shook. I was small and skinny playing against Christian Ziege who was an international full back. He looked like a monster so I was tentative about running past and dribbling at players but the youngsters today don’t care.”

“Max is such a talent. His dribbling, his IQ of the game at 15 seems top draw and it’s the same with Nguhoma.”

“My advice to him is enjoy the sniff of first team football. It’s amazing but don’t get frustrated at a lack of game time. Don’t get frustrated if you’re not in the first team squad week in, week out or if you get sent back to the U21’s because it can be a hard pill to swallow. He’s got to be patient, keep working hard and he’ll find his place in this Arsenal team.”

Read what Pennant thinks about Liverpool's transfer activity