Arsenal face one of their toughest challenges of the season, at least historically, this weekend as they play Manchester United. The Gunners have won just one league game since 2006 at Old Trafford and will need to double this tally if they want to keep their Premier League title dream alive.

They will be responding to Manchester City who can climb back to the top of the table with a win at Craven Cottage. Arsenal fans have already spotted some not-so-pleasing footage from the Fulham players in the build-up to the game.

However, from a north London perspective, one of Mikel Arteta’s favourites has reassured supporters of the job they have ahead of them. Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned from a frustrating period of persistent injuries to start the last three games and record victories in each over Chelsea, Tottenham and Bournemouth.

Speaking after the 3-0 win at the weekend the Japanese international made a promise of his side’s mentality going into this tricky challenge. He said: “Obviously, it won’t be an easy game because it is a tough place to play and take three points. But we are confident and we will be there to get three points.”

And Arsenal certainly should be. They have scored 13 goals in their last four matches whilst United have conceded ten in their last four and these previous clashes were against Crystal Palace, Burnley, Sheffield United and Coventry City.

Arsenal have been brilliant at keeping clean sheets throughout the season. David Raya has been awarded the golden glove and with 28 conceded with two games remaining, they’re five better than their tally for the previous campaign.

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Tomiyasu has a very clear answer as to why this is the case. Having returned to the starting eleven, he has joined forces with three players who have taken the season by storm and he wants to be a part of it.

“The two centre-backs, Gabi and Saliba, they are so consistent - and so is Ben [White] as well,” he said. “We have had a lot of clean sheets because of them.

“I want to be part of that [defence]. We will try to get another clean sheet at Old Trafford as well.”

Tomiyasu was however not spotted in Arsenal training on Tuesday raising some concerns as to his availability for the match this weekend. He will be up against Antony who scored on his debut against the Gunners the last time the Red Devils won against their old rivals.