Last season’s top two teams prepare to lock horns in a battle of titans and they’ve picked up just where they left off. Arsenal, unbeaten thus far, and Manchester City, with six wins from seven games, are poised to deliver a spectacle that promises to be a captivating showcase. In this preview, we delve into the strengths, strategies, and key players of these two football giants as they prepare to renew their fierce rivalry on the hallowed ground of the Emirates.
Last season, City bossed their way to the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the League Cup, a feat rarely accomplished. The Citizens dominated the season, setting new records and leaving fans and critics alike in awe. Just on their tail was Arsenal. The Gunners came a close second in the Premier League and also were knocked out by City in the FA Cup.
City won both of their Premier League games against Arsenal last season and they finished five points ahead. If Arsenal would’ve beaten City in either fixture, theoretically, they would have won the league. The importance of this fixture can’t be understated and come the end of the season, fans may refer back to this game as a turning point of where the Premier League trophy eventually would end up.
It is inevitably going to be a thrilling fixture, last seasons two games brought nine goals from two games!
Team News:
Arsenal will likely be without star winger Bukayo Saka after he limped off the pitch in their Champions League clash against Lens midweek. This is a huge miss for Arsenal as Saka has contributed to seven goals in his last eight Premier League appearances. The young winger just looks more assured with each game. Regrettably for the Gunners, Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli will also be on the sidelines for the sixth successive game as he manages a hamstring injury.
Manchester City will be without midfield lynchpin Rodri after he got sent off against Nottingham Forest. City concede more, score less, and obtain 0.5 points less per game when Rodri doesn’t play. His absence will be an enormous loss, Kalvin Phillips will have to step up. City are also without Kevin de Bruyne and John Stones who continue to suffer from long-term injuries.
Key Players:
Arsenal: Declan Rice
Against Manchester City, Declan Rice will be the key man. Rice has already proven himself to be a top player for the Gunners, performing strongly each week and also scoring a 90th minute winner against Manchester United at the Emirates.
Rice’s robust defensive abilities and precise passing will be critical for Arsenal’s play, breaking up opposition attacks and initiating offensive sequences. Against a team like City, known for their unabating attacking play, Rice’s role becomes even more essential.
Manchester City: Jeremy Doku
City’s new winger, Jeremy Doku, has been electric so far. Barring Eberechi Eze, no player averages more successful dribbles per game in the Premier League than Doku (3.5). He is relentless and a real threat. Coming up against Ben White, this is going to be a battle to watch out for. Expect Doku to keep White busy and for attacks to come through City’s left channel so that the thrilling Doku can unleash his powers upon Arsenal.
Whilst these are arguably the top two sides in England at this moment in time, Arsenal have lost their past 12 top-flight matches against City and are without a league win in the fixture since 2015, when Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin inspired Arsenal to a 0-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the Gunners beat this City side earlier this season in the Community Shield on penalties, and manager Mikel Arteta maintains confidence that his side can match that result at the Emirates, saying “My only worry is the quality of the opponent and on Sunday we have to be at our best for 100 minutes,”.
Manchester City are slight favourites to win, priced at 29/20 on bet365. Arsenal are the underdogs at 19/10 on bet365.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter / X
