Ten Hag respects Arsenal but backs Man United to ruffle leaders: 'We know what to do'

Erik ten Hag knows there is nothing lucky about Arsenal's unexpected surge to the top of the Premier League, but he believes Manchester United can derail the leaders' title aspirations on Sunday.

Arsenal have emerged as surprise title favourites and sit five points clear of second placed Manchester City heading into this weekend's clash with United at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's side finished fifth last season, but they are in pole position to land their first Premier League title since 2004 after winning 15 of their 18 league games this term.

While some pundits believe Arsenal will eventually crumble in the same fashion that saw them surrender their top four place to Tottenham last season, United boss Ten Hag is certain the Gunners' title credentials are legitimate.

"It is obvious they are in a really good run and I think they deserve the position where they are now," Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.

"It's a really good structure, how they play. There's a really good mentality, winning attitude in that team. That's why they are top of the list.

"So, they are in a great run but it is up to us to beat that run and we will do everything to do that."

United are the only team to beat Arsenal in the league this season, with Ten Hag's men enjoying a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in September.

Asked if he was surprised to see Arsenal still leading the table, Ten Hag said: "No. In the moment we played them, you could already see that the manager with his coaching staff was for a long time already working on that team.

"You see really good structures in the team and I think they even improved during the first half of the season."

Although third placed United are eight points behind Arsenal, who also have a game in hand on both