With the Gunners storming clear at the top of the Premier League table and United also in the title shake-up, it really does feel like old times.
The high voltage rivalry between the two clubs between about 1997 and 2004 could be returning as Arsenal and Manchester United make concrete strides towards PL dominance.
EA has acknowledged the recent progress made by the great English clubs by handing out multiple significant upgrades to both teams in the latest FIFA 23 squad update.
Young Guns firing
Arsenal fans feared the worst when news of Gabriel Jesus' injury broke back in November, but Mikel Arteta's team is still thriving, currently sitting top of the Premier League ahead of Manchester City.
Ghanaian holding midfielder Thomas Partey has been simply world-class this season in the number six role and EA has given the defensive midfielder a huge upgrade in FIFA 23.
A +1 OVR comes with almost ten in-game stat boosts including upgrades to Partey's dribbling, interceptions and passing.
21-year-old French defender William Saliba has been one of the best centre-backs in the league this season and has been rewarded with a +1 OVR, taking him to 83-rated in FIFA 23.
The mature CB has been given big boosts in sprint speed, heading accuracy, composure and long passing along with plenty of small upgrades across the board.
Like Saliba, Arsenal GK Aaron Ramsdale has been bumped up to 83 OVR. The 24-year-old has been handed several in-game stat boosts including +2s to his kicking and reflexes.
Sensational Saka
Whilst the current Arsenal group is the optimisation of a team, there has been one outstanding individual throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Bukayo Saka has been sensational, registering nine goals and eight assists in 24 Premier League appearances so far this season.
Now an 84 OVR in FIFA 23, the England superstar has once again been handed a major upgrade in the latest squad update.
Saka's perfect record from the penalty spot in an Arsenal shirt sees him earn a +2 upgrade in that department.
The 21-year-old has become prolific in front of goal, earning him boosts in finishing, volleys, shot power and long shots.
The following changes have been made to Saka's in-game FIFA 23 stats:
- Crossing 81 -> 82
- Finishing 81 -> 83
- Volleys 70 -> 74
- Dribbling 88 -> 89
- Ball Control 85 -> 87
- Shot Power 74 -> 76
- Stamina 80 -> 82
- Strength 62 -> 63
- Long Shots 75 -> 78
- Aggression 66 -> 68
- Penalties 81 -> 83
Red Devils on FIRE
Manchester United topped off a fantastic run of form by lifting the Carabao Cup trophy last weekend, following a brilliant win against Barcelona in the Europa League Round of 16 in mid-week.
Five-time UCL winner Casemiro has been integral to the Red Devils' recent success. EA has upgraded the Brazilian's interceptions, standing tackle, sliding tackle and composure by one point in-game.
Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes has looked back to his old self since ten Hag took over and EA has given the number eight a small upgrade in ball control and vision.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the United defence. Both centre-backs have been given upgrades in the latest squad update to reflect their excellent form.
Jadon Sancho returned to the United squad with a bang and EA has rewarded the English forward with upgrades to his finishing and positioning.
Another player who has been brilliant this season is Luke Shaw. The versatile defender has been given a +1 OVR as well as several in-game stats boosts.
Red hot Rashford
Whilst all the above players have played key roles in their recent success, one man has inspired Manchester United's resurgence.
Arguably the most dangerous forward in world football right now, Marcus Rashford has 25 goals and 9 assists to his name in 38 appearances this season.
The England international has received a +1 OVR upgrade in the latest update, along with boosts to eight in-game stats.
EA has also added the Poacher, Dribbler and Complete Forward traits to Rashford's FIFA 23 card.
The Complete Forward attribute reflects Rashford's ability to play the number nine role for Man United as he has done so well in recent weeks.
The following changes have been made to Rashford's in-game FIFA 23 stats:
- Finishing 84 -> 85
- Heading Accuracy 70 -> 76
- Dribbling 85 -> 86
- Acceleration 85 -> 86
- Reactions 83 -> 84
- Positioning 81 -> 84
- Vision 78 -> 79
- Composure 79 -> 80
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