All eyes this weekend will be directly focused on the matchup between Arsenal and Manchester City. The two teams previously battled it out for the 2022/23 Premier League title. The Gunners led much of the season but dropped in the standings following a heavy defeat to City in April. Following the big win, City held on to the top spot for the remainder of the campaign and lifted the trophy in May.
The current campaign is turning out to be similar. Arsenal leads the Premier League table with a trip to Etihad Stadium on the horizon. The Gunners, however, will hope that their previous disappointing display in 2023 will help prepare themselves for this monumental moment.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hinted at this during his press conference on Friday. “We learned from [City’s] level,” proclaimed the Spanish coach. “It’s the level we want to be at. We have been getting closer in the last two or three years. We need to close that gap and try to be better than them.”
“They have earned the right for everyone to look at them as an example. It has raised our level and demands [us] to try to be like them and beat them.”
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The upcoming game could see some key players miss out due to various injuries. Arteta has claimed that Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel have not trained with the squad this week. The Spaniard went on to say, however, that the starting trio has a chance to be named in the squad at the weekend.
City boss Pep Guardiola also informed reporters that John Stones and Kyle Walker will not be fit enough for the clash. The defensive duo has been a mainstay in the coach’s starting lineup in recent seasons. Guardiola did give City fans a bit of good news though. Manuel Akanji has recovered from a knock and should feature for the reigning European champions.
With Arsenal’s issues up front and City’s at the back, the match may very well be decided in…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/midfield-battle-may-decide-massive-arsenal-game-at-man-city
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-03-29 17:05:25
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