Can Arsenal end their nightmare hoodoo at the Theatre of Dreams?

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday evening, and for the first time in recent years, the Gunners go into this as almost favourites.

For many a year, Arsenal would arrive in Manchester only to get slumped. The 2011/12 8-2 thrashing always comes to mind, but in fact, Arsenal have been consistently poor away to Manchester United. Add to this Jose Mourinho, a man possessed it seems who always ensures he overcomes Arsenal, and you get a string of poor results.

Arsenal's lowest point at Old Trafford was in August 2011, losing 8-2 on the day.

However, the tied has changed at Arsenal. No one could have expected Unai Emery’s reign as Arsenal manager to start as brilliantly as it has, and despite two defeats in a row at the start of the season, Arsenal have been consistent throughout. The Gunners made their preliminary statement against arch rivals Spurs on Sunday, yet there’s still the question whether Arsenal can come out victorious away to a ‘top 6’ club. What better statement would this be than to beat Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams, where they’re without a win in the league for 12 long years?

Sunday's scintillating performance against Spurs has boosted confidence ahead of tonight's fixture.

It was 2006 when Arsenal last won a league game at Old Trafford. Emmanuel Adebayor’s solo effort provided the win that day, and Arsenal know if they come out with a win tonight, they’ll be making a huge statement. 

Emmanuel Adebayor's strike in September 2006 was the last time Arsenal collected three points in the league at Old Trafford.

A famous win in 2002 secured the league title from United, and while the league isn’t at stake tonight, there’s still the matter of bragging rights. There’s a common feeling amongst Arsenal fans that, although they should probably win this game, you just can’t be certain when it’s Man United. United always seem to turn it up a notch against Arsenal, even when they're not at their best. They’re certainly underperforming currently, so does that indicate Arsenal will finally triumph and secure a famous victory, or will United continue Arsenal’s horrid hoodoo? Time to make history, lads.

Sylvain Wiltord's historic strike in May 2002 ensured Arsenal won the league at the theatre of dreams.

Darius