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By HARRY BAMFORTH and OLIVER HOLT AT THE EMIRATES and SAMI MOKBEL AT THE EMIRATES and ISAAN KHAN AT THE EMIRATES and JOE BERNSTEIN AT VILLA PARK Published: 05: 00 AEDT, 5 December 2024 | Updated: 09: 46 AEDT, 5 December 2024 371 View comments Relive Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal host Manchester United and Aston Villa take on Brentford in Premier League action.   By Harry Bamforth It's been a good night to be an Arsenal fan. The Gunners look well and truly back on track after their blip last month, and tonight they swept aside Ruben Amorim's Manchester United. Once again, Mikel Arteta's displayed their set-piece weaponry with two more goals from corners. United simply had no answer. It means Arsenal have cut the gap at the top to seven points after Liverpool conceded a late equaliser away at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Aston Villa got that winning feeling back as they shipped three past Brentford at Villa Park. It was one hell of a night of Premier League action and now I think I need a lie down, So, with that, I am going to shoot off. Goodnight! By Oliver Holt At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth Jamie Carragher, are you watching? There have been no crazy post-match celebrations from Arsenal tonight, they simply stroll back to the dressing room. They know they still have a huge job ahead of them, even if they have cut the gap to Leader Liverpool to seven points. Plenty more still to play for this month and beyond. By Harry Bamforth I think this second goal just proves how ridiculous Arsenal's scoring streak from corners is. I mean, it simply bounced off William Saliba's back and went into the back of the net. That's how well things went for them tonight. That's not me taking aim at the Gunners by the way, it's still a superb delivery from Bukayo Saka. And I mean, sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time. Saliba certainly was. By Harry Bamforth By Harry Bamforth Ruben Amorim will not be used to this feeling. I bet he is asking his Manchester United players 'Is this what losing feels like? '. I mean, that is their fifth league defeat this season, so they know. Meanwhile, that is Amorim's first league defeat since December 2023, while still at Sporting. Tonight’s result ends a 34-game unbeaten run for the Portuguese in league competition. I have a feeling he won't go that long again without one. By Harry Bamforth Let's have a look at the goals then, shall we? If you searched what the perfect corner routine in football was, then I think this video would come up. It was put on a sixpence from Declan Rice for Jurrien Timber to flick into the corner. Then the Emirates went wild. By Oliver Holt At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth Where else was I going to start? Arsenal just provided a clinic on how to do damage from set pieces, specifically corners. And it looks like Manchester United needed it. The Gunners were struggling to create much when the ball was on the deck, so they just used their aerial prowess instead. Two perfect deliveries and two brilliant goals. They have now scored more goals from corners than any other side in the Premier League since the start of last season, with 22. It's simply daft at this point. By Joe Bernstein At Villa Park By Harry Bamforth Another defeat on the road for Brentford. The Bees pulled a goal back through Mikkel Damsgaard in the second half but Aston Villa hold out. There are sighs of relief around Villa Park as they claim their first win in nine matches. Just what they needed. By Harry Bamforth Ruben Amorim is unbeaten no more. .. A brilliant second-half display mean that Arsenal take the points against a poor Manchester United. It was the story of corners once again as United simply could not handle Arsenal's prowess form set-pieces. It means the Gunners cut the gap to leaders Liverpool to seven points. By Harry Bamforth Amongst that madness, it was revealed that there will be four minutes of storage time. Many of the home fans have decided that it's time for them to head home earl; y, though. By Harry Bamforth My word, they have nearly done it again. Declan Rice; ' corner-taking ability is just daft at this point, he puts it in the right place every single time. He causes chaos again as Andre Onana fails to get a good punch on the ball, but eventually United clear. Utter carnage. By Harry Bamforth Arsenal make their final change of the evening. Skipper Martin Odegaard leaves the pitch to a standing ovation as he is replaced by Jorginho. Now they are just going to close the game out. By Harry Bamforth Well, I was not expecting that. Manchester United produce a lovely little free-kick routine with Bruno Fernandes sliding in Antony. The substitute arrows the ball toward the near post but David Raya deals with it. A cheeky little move, but it doesn't come off. By Harry Bamforth Speaking of corners, I have just been informed that Manchester United have not had a single one and we are in the 85th minute. That just shows how little they have got forward. United have just won a free-kick in a dangerous position outside of the Arsenal box, though. Bruno Fernandes has the chance to spice this game up. By Harry Bamforth What is that? Bukayo Saka should be ashamed of himself, his corner has just failed to beat the first man. I mean, it's sacrilege, it really is. By Harry Bamforth The fan banter is well and truly out now! The Arsenal fans are singing some rather choice words about the quality of Manchester United. That's all you need to know about that. While that is happening, Ruben Amorim hauls off Rasmus Hojlund and Antony replaces him. By Harry Bamforth Too right, Sami. Mikel Merino is the player to go close from a corner this time as he flashes a header agonisingly wide. Every time they get a set piece you just expect the net to bulge now, it really is ridiculous. By Sami Mokbel At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth Arsenal are purring, they really are. It's nearly three within a matter of moments as Martin Odegaard displays his passing ability. The Arsenal skipper slides Kai Havertz through and he forces Andre Onana into an important stop from close range. It means they have another corner. .. By Harry Bamforth They've only gone and done it again! Arsenal are simply unstoppable from corners and this time it's William Saliba who finishes one off. Bukayo Saka whips it to the back post and Thomas Partey peels off to head it across goal. The ball simply canons straight off Saliba and hits the net. By Harry Bamforth Mikel Arteta turns to the bench. .. Leandro Trossard replaces Gabriel Martinelli while Mikel Merino is on for Oleksandr Zinchenko. That means that Thomas Partey will go right-back and Jurrien Timber will switch to the left. Arteta also asks his fans to make some noise as the Emirates has fallen flat. By Harry Bamforth David Raya to the rescue! The Arsenal keeper produces a stunning save to deny Matthijs de Ligt from the resulting set-piece. The defender gets a brilliant connection on the ball with his head and it looks destined for the corner. But Raya shows his athleticism to deny him. By Harry Bamforth Amad Diallo is already causing Arsenal problems here. The winger absolutely roasts Oleksandr Zinchenko who decides to bring him down just outside the box. A second later, and that would have been a penalty for Manchester United. Zinchenko is booked for the challenge. By Harry Bamforth When will teams learn to cope? Arsenal come close from a corner once again and it's nearly identical to the opener. Declan Rice produces a carbon copy of his earlier set-piece and this time Joshua Zirkzee gets the flick on. Thankfully for the substitute, the ball flashes just wide. By Harry Bamforth Here he is! Leny Yopro is handed his Manchester United debut by Ruben Amorim, not an easy game to come into. He replaces Harry Maguire at the back while Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee also enter the fray. Bioy do United need them to make an impact. By Harry Bamforth Oh, hello. .. Brentford have a goal back and it's courtesy of midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard. He picks up the ball by the byline, cuts back, and lashes the ball into the roof of the net via the near post. Do we have a game on our hands? By Harry Bamforth That is exactly what this game needed. The crowd are now up and Arsenal are going through the gears. they have Manchester United scampering. It looks like Ruben Amorim is going to make a few changes. By Harry Bamforth The corner kings are at it again! Arsenal always find a way from set-pieces and Jurrien Timber is the player to punish Manchester United today. Declan Rice swings in a perfect ball into the six-yard box and Timber just has to flick it beyond Andre Onana. The Emirates is bouncing now! By Harry Bamforth This game suddenly has a bit of needle. Arsenal are way more up for it in this half and Manchester United are already wasting time. I have a feeling we may get some goals at last. By Harry Bamforth Right, the ball is rolling again at Villa Park. Can Aston Villa pull away or will Brenrtford somehow produce a miracle? By Harry Bamforth Oooft, that's nearly a brilliant start for Manchester United. Alejandro Garnacho fires a lovely low ball across goal but Rasmus Hojlund is not sharp enough to meet it. Garnacho looks very annoyed at him, and that's an understatement. By Harry Bamforth The teams are back out for the second 45. Ruben Amorim makes one change at the break with Amad Diallo replacing Tyrell Malacia. I'm guessing he is just managing minutes. Anyway, we are back underway at the Emirates, will this game improve? By Oliver Holt At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth The Arsenal fans have just received some bad news. The Emirates has just revealed that Liverpool have come from behind late to lead at Newcastle. Mo Salah has done it again with a break. As soon as the goal was announced the fans still in their seats groaned as loud as they have all day. It's not over yet, though. By Harry Bamforth It's not a night to be an attacker, that's for sure. The defences have been well on top at the Emirates with both sides only mustering five shots combined. Only two of them have been real chances with Thomas Partey and Diogo Dalot coming close. I hope for all of our sakes that this game opens up in the second half. By Isaan Khan At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth Roberto Martinez, Portugal manager, on Amazon Prime: By Harry Bamforth Mikel Arteta will not be a happy bunny. Bar an early chance for Thomas Partey, the Gunners have offered little to nothing going forward. With Liverpool drawing away at Newcastle currently, this is a huge opportunity for Arsenal to gain ground on them. But so far they simply aren't taking it, they are miles off their usual standards. He will be laying into them in that dressing room. By Harry Bamforth What a half from Aston Villa. Where has this been? Villa have torn Brentford apart, scoring three goals in just 12 first-half minutes. The Bees are playing poorly on the road again and I fear this could become a cricket score. A big team talk coming up for Thomas Frank. By Harry Bamforth Nothing to separate the side at the break. It's been one of those games where we have hyped it up a bunch and it's not delivering. Not much has happened, with slim pickings in front of goal for both sides. Mikel Arteta does not look happy as he goes down the tunnel. By Harry Bamforth There will be just one minute of stoppage time. I'm very thankful for that because I'm not sure how much of this I can take. By Harry Bamforth Welcome back to the Premier League, Tyrell Malacia! We have our first yellow cards of the night with Malacia booked for delaying the restart. Moments later Manuel Ugarte gets one too for gesticulating at the referee about something. By Harry Bamforth Oooft, nearly a belter from Diogo Dalot. Manchester United finally head up the pitch and Mason Mount has a crack, but it's terrible. But the ball stays in play and falls to Dalot on the right-hand side of the area, and he goes for goal from a tight angle. The ball flashes inches wide of the far post. By Harry Bamforth By Harry Bamforth That move just sums up this half. Gabriel Martinelli drives down the left and looks to clip the ball into the middle. But the cross is so poor and Andre Onana has no problems collecting it. By Harry Bamforth All I want is to report a chance, is that too much to ask? Manchester United are so defensively rigid that they are barely getting forward. It means that neither side is really creating any opportunities. By Harry Bamforth Aston Villa are running riot! The hosts are surely out of sight now as Matty Cash hammers home their third of the night. They pick apart Brentford once again and the ball is clipped to Cash who volleys the ball home via the near post. Unai Emery goes mental on the touchline. By Harry Bamforth If you are not watching this game, I am jealous. Why? Well, it has not exactly been a classic, I am currently debating whether to ask my classic dinner question. I will save it for now, but watch out. By Harry Bamforth Arsenal are getting really frustrated here. They are winning a lot of corners but other than that they are struggling to create. It isn't impacting the atmosphere, though as the Gunners fans are still making a racket. By Harry Bamforth Ollie Watkins levels from the spot. .. just. Boy did the striker need that as he squeezes the ball into the bottom corner via the hand of Mark Flerkken. I must say, I thought the goalkeeper had done enough. He is unlucky there. Villa are looking comfortable now. By Harry Bamforth Arsenal seem to have woken up at last. After a barrage of corners the ball falls to Gabriel Martinelli in space in the area. He tries to lash the ball into the top corner but completely miscues his effort. The ball floats harmlessly over the bar. By Harry Bamforth Aston Villa have the chance for another! Ollie Watkins races away on the break and is bundled over by Ethan Pinnock inside the area. After a brief VAR check, the spot kick is given and Watkins will take. By Harry Bamforth By Harry Bamforth What a finish from Morgan Rogers! Aston Villa take the lead and my word they have done it in style with a Rogers stunner. Boubacar Kamara does really well deep in his own half to set his side on the counter-attack. Villa fly forward and work the ball to Rogers on the edge of the box, and he bends one straight top corner. Just what Villa needed. By Harry Bamforth I must say, I have been quite impressed with Manchester United so far. While the game has not been the most exciting, United look extremely solid, which is new. They are also having a lot of the ball and Arsenal fans seem rather frustrated at that. By Isaan Khan At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth I have just seen Harry Maguire deep in Arsenal's half on the left wing, what is going on? The United defender surely has a nosebleed being in that position. .. but I rate it. By Harry Bamforth This has become a bit of a scrappy game in the last few minutes. Arsenal don't have their usual flow and Manchester United are making this is physical battle. Ruben Amorim will be the happier of the two managers at the moment. By Sami Mokbel At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth Manchester United are really struggling to get out of their own half. They are hoofing the ball up to Rasmus Hojlund to hold up the ball when they can. It could be a long and lonely night for the Dane. By Harry Bamforth Oh, what a chance for Thomas Partey! We know how good Arsenal are from corners and even without Gabriel they nearly score from one here. The ball is whipped into the six-yard box and Thomas Partey is there to meet it. But he seems to duck and then squirts his header wide like he almost wasn't expecting the ball to come to him. He should score. By Harry Bamforth Are we in Europe? I can hear the Arsenal fans using a drum to dictate a chant which very much feels like a European fanbase thing to do. It's certainly helping the atmosphere in here, though. They might get to cheer very soon as Arsenal have just won a corner. By Harry Bamforth What a start that would have been! I was just about to post that it had been a tentative start to the match, but then Gabriel Martinelli sticks the ball in the net. He goes off to celebrate but the flag is up straight away as Kai Havertz is miles offside in the build-up. It all came from a misplaced pass form Andre Onana, which won't do too much for his confidence. It will help Arsenals. though. By Harry Bamforth Villa Park is looking quite empty. there are many pockets of empty seats in the stands as the game gets going in the West Midlands. I wonder if it's due to bad traffic? By Harry Bamforth The time for talking is over. The crowd show their creativity with a chant of 'Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal' after 'North London Forever'. The Gunners faithful are well up for this, and I have a feeling this is going to be a belter. We are underway. By Harry Bamforth My word, the Emirates is loud tonight. The two teams come out of the tunnel into a cauldron of noise and they are also greeted by pyro. These days, every night match has some sort of pre-match show. I mean, I quite enjoy them, so am not complaining. There is now techno music being played which is getting me pumped up, I love this kind of music. I wonder if it is working for the players. By Harry Bamforth Arsenal fans, I have some good news for you. Liverpool have just fallen behind away at Newcastle, with Alexander Isak smashing a screamer past Caoimhin Kelleher. If the Reds lose on Tyneside, it's a big opportunity for the Gunners to really get back in the title race. I wonder if the players know? By Harry Bamforth Normally people love visiting London. I mean, there is so much to do as a tourist, it's one of the best cities in the world (in my opinion). Well, Manchester United haven't loved it recently. United have only won two of their last 18 visits to London sides, and both came against Fulham. By Harry Bamforth Oh, I like these Arsenal training tops. They're very snazzy. I'm sure they are keeping the Gunners warm in what are freezing temperatures in the capital. We are now less than 20 minutes away from kick-off, and you can just feel the buzz inside the Emirates. I'm getting excited, are you? By Ollie Holt At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth No pyro, no party! The Arsenal; fans making their way to the ground are not entering quietly, that's for sure. Groups of fans have gathered outside the stadium, lighting flairs and singing songs as the atmosphere builds. I have a feeling the Emirates will be electric tonight. By Harry Bamforth Declan Rice, Arsenal midfielder, speaking to Amazon Prime: By Harry Bamforth Time flies, eh? It's been 18 years since the Emirates opened its doors to the world and Arsenal took on a new venture. Tonight will be Arsenal’s 500th competitive match at the stadium in all competitions The Gunners have been on the winning side 335 times, while they have lost just 71. They’ve won 10 and lost six of their 20 meetings with Manchester United at the ground. Only Manchester City have beaten the Gunners more there. By Isaan Khan At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth Mikel Arteta, Arsenal boss, speaking to Amazon Prime: On facing Ruben Amorim's Sporting: By Harry Bamforth Where to start? Brentford may be brilliant when playing in west London, but away from it, they have been terrible. The Bees have only picked up one point on the road this season, the joint-worst record in the league. The fact they have struggled that much and are eighth is pretty mental. I'm not done there, though. Brentford have never won an away match against Aston Villa. The stats really are against them. By Joe Bernstein At Villa Park By Harry Bamforth I wonder how Mason Mount is feeling. .. The midfielder has not exactly had a smooth ride since arriving in Manchester last summer. But tonight he is a given a rare start to show Ruben Amorim what he is about. The United boss has already sung Mount's praises and will be hoping to get a tune out of him this evening. It's a massive night for the former Chelsea man. By Harry Bamforth Chris Sutton, It's All Kicking Off! co-host, on BBC Sport: By Harry Bamforth I can't talk about Arsenal without mentioning Bukayo Saka, can I? The winger has been simply superb on the right for the Gunners this season, even through their sticky patch. He already has 10 assists in the Premier League this season, reaching the tally in just 13 matches. Not many have managed that. He also has five goals to his name and is joint top scorer for Arsenal in the league with Kai Havertz. I have a sneaky feeling he could add to those tallies tonight. Saka adores playing Manchester United, he has scored three league goals and provided two assists against them in the past. Only Thierry Henry has more goal involvements for the Gunners in this fixture, with 12. United will be hoping they can keep Saka quiet somehow. .. By Harry Bamforth Nathan Salt, Mail Sport: By Harry Bamforth I've already said it before, but I'll say it again: I really don't understand these dressing room pictures. Manchester United do them too and I find them bizarre, the dressing room is supposed to be a sanctuary for the players and backroom staff. Anyway, here I am posting about them. What they do show is there is a real mix of approaches to the build-up, with Gabriel Martinelli looking relaxed while Martin Odegaard is steely-eyed. I do always find that kind of stuff interesting, I guess. By Harry Bamforth Emmanuel Petit, former Arsenal midfielder, speaking to Gambling Zone: By Harry Bamforth Just the two changes for Brentford. Thomas Frank has decided to rest his engine room with both Yegor Yarmliuk and Vitaly Janelt coming in. Other than that, it's the same side that smashed Leicester on Saturday. By Harry Bamforth Well then, Emir Martinez is indeed fit. Despite picking up a hairline fracture on his hand in the loss to Chelsea, the Argentine starts between the sticks. Unai Emery has made just two changes from that defeat with Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey coming into the team. Happy with this side, Villa fans? By Harry Bamforth Wow, now this is a big call from Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach is throwing Tyrell Malacia back into the mix after his return from injury last week. He is one of six changes from the team who beat Everton at the weekend. There is no place in the side for either Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee who both scored braces against the Toffees. Meanwhile, Mason Mount makes his first start under Amorim and Leny Yoro is included in the squad for the first time. By Harry Bamforth Yep, here is the confirmation. .. Gabriel is indeed unfit to play and Jakub Kiwior is the defender called upon to replace him. Riccardo Calafiori also misses out due to injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko comes in at left-back. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey comes back into the midfield in place of Jorginho. By Harry Bamforth I bet that sub-heading alone gets Manchester United fans excited. Leny Yoro was brought in by the Red Devils in the summer as the next big centre-back, hopes were high. But the 19-year-old broke his foot in a pre-season friendly against today's opponents and is yet to make his competitive debut. Well, today the wait could be over. Ruben Amorim suggested that the defender could be involved in some way or another at the Emirates, although he won't start. I guess we will have to wait and see if he is in the squad. By Harry Bamforth Now that is some big news. .. Gabriel has been a crucial member of Mikel Arteta's side over the past few years, and of late has been superb. He has netted in both of Arsenal's last two games and always causes problems from corners. So the fact that he is set to be absent is a huge blow for the Gunners. Will we see Jurrien Timber move into the middle, or maybe Riccardo Calafiori? By Sami Mokbel At The Emirates By Harry Bamforth It's fair to say, Manchester United are not fans of the Emirates. Their visits to north London to face Arsenal usually end in pain. Well, most certainly in recent times. United have been beaten on seven of their last nine Premier League trips to Arsenal. That's not a very good record, is it? If Ruben Amorim manages to pull off a victory, he will most likely be hailed as a messiah. Or have I just gone too far? Probably. By Harry Bamforth The omens are looking good if you are an Arsenal fan. The Gunners have a brilliant recent record against Manchester United, they have won their last three Premier League games against them. It was the late, late show at the Emirates last time around. .. Arsenal needed stoppage-time strikes from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus to get the job done. Something tells me they won't want it to be quite as dramatic this evening, but what do I know, eh? Well, actually, I know a certain stat about this fixture that I want to share. Arsenal have never won four league matches in a row against United. .. Well, tonight they can change that. By Harry Bamforth Earlier today it was revealed that Man United scrapped plans to wear jackets in support of LGBTQ+ prior to their match against Everton. Over the past week, Premier League clubs have been supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign. According to reports, United players were meant to warm up in special jackets before facing the Toffees at Old Trafford. However, Noussair Mazraoui declared he would refuse to wear one due to his religious beliefs as a devout Muslim. United then decided to pull the plug on the idea. It comes after Sam Morsy chose not to wear a rainbow armband in two of Ipswich Town's matches. Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi also chose to write 'I love Jesus' over his rainbow armband at the weekend. Last night, Gueghi wore a second on Tuesday away at Ipswich that read: 'Jesus loves you'. He has been reprimanded. By Harry Bamforth What time is it? That's right, stat pack time. As always, our friends at Squawka have supplied the goods as we preview this mammoth match. What stands out to me is that the two teams create a similar amount of chances per match, but Arsenal have scored nine more goals. United have just not been clinical enough this season, well, until they faced Everton. I'm hoping we are in for a goal-fest personally. By Harry Bamforth Unai Emery, Aston Villa boss, speaking on Tuesday: By Harry Bamforth Not to be blunt but Aston Villa have been pretty pants recently. I have been keen to praise the wonderful work that Unai Emery has done at Villa Park over the past couple of years, but now it is time for criticism. They have gone eight matches without a win in all competitions and look devoid of confidence. It feels like the first real stumbling block this Villa side has hit under Emery. I mean, they started the season so well. But now they sit 12th and if this run of form continues, I imagine some supporters will start to grow frustrated. Tonight is a brilliant chance to get their campaign back on track against a Brentford side who just don't win away from home. Yes, the Bees have been the best home team in the whole division and sit 8th in the league, but on the road, they have been abysmal. Emery needs his side to perform this evening. By Harry Bamforth Ruben Amorim, Man United head coach, speaking on Tuesday: By Harry Bamforth Ruben Amorim, what are you made of? Manchester United's new head coach has had a fairly decent start, he is unbeaten in his three games at the helm so far. But none of those matches compare to the magnitude of tonight's. Everybody knows that the United project under Amorim is going to take a while. The performances have been far from perfect. To face Arsenal away from home this early on will be extremely difficult, it's already hard enough at the best of times. However, there is no doubt his players would have taken confidence from their 4-0 pumping of Everton at the weekend. It will be interesting to see just how far they have come in such a short period of time against Amorim. Can they upset the apple cart? By Harry Bamforth Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Tuesday: On Ruben Amorim's impact at Manchester United: By Harry Bamforth It feels like a very important night for Arsenal, doesn't it? After a big blip in form at the start of November, the Gunners look back to their very best. The goals are flowing once again with Martin Odegaard back in the side, and they have now won three matches on the spin. However, they are still nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, who are away at Newcastle this evening. You don't need me to tell you it's a very big gap. It's not insurmountable, but Mikel Arteta's side will have to have a near-perfect festive period to stay in the hunt for that title. If they drop points against Manchester United and Liverpool win again, their dreams of winning the Premier League will be hanging by a thread. Will they continue their fine form? By Harry Bamforth I really can't express how excited I am for the night ahead, I just have a feeling it will be an epic. We are now truly into the chaotic festive period of Premier League football, the next few weeks will be a little bit bonkers. While we are focusing on just the Emirates and Villa Park tonight, there are four other matches going on tonight, and we have you covered in another blog, which you can find here. Here is the full schedule: By Harry Bamforth These are the type of nights football fans live for. There are just some rivalries in football that make the whole country stop what they are doing and watch. This is one of them. Arsenal and Manchester United have played out some incredible battles over the years. While the two clubs may sit hundreds of miles apart from each other, it doesn't make an impact on their distaste for each other. Tonight Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of the rivalry as he takes his United side to London. Meanwhile, up in the West Midlands Aston Villa look to finally get their season back on track against Brentford. Midweek festive action does not get much better than this, you simply don't want to miss it. Strap yourselves in, this is going to be a bumpy ride! Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group