Battle of old foes finally looks like a clash of giants again

Both clubs are reborn this season and this storied fixture seems ready to take on a life of its own once more

RIVALRY RENEWED: Manchester United's Marcus Rashford scores their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Listen carefully and you might just hear the sound of an old rivalry stirring. On Sunday there is unlikely to be pizza in the Emirates Stadium tunnel and, even if a penalty is missed, the chances of a bawling match between taker and miscreant appear remote. But Arsenal and Manchester United meet amid a clear sense things are changing: in recent years any excitement around this fixture has leant squarely on its tradition but, at long last, it takes on a life of its own once again.

This is not a title showdown: any suggestion the race for top spot might develop into a shootout between these two foes was firmly refuted by midweek comebacks at Selhurst Park and the Etihad. Even if United win, they will be five points shy of Arsenal having played a game more. The bigger picture, though, is that they are finally a threat to each other at the business end again, not simply for fifth or sixth place.