Soccer heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester City renew hostilities in the English Premier League on Sunday October 8th at the Emirates Stadium.
This weekend’s grudge match will see the Gunners at their most vulnerable since both teams started going neck and neck for the Premier League title last season.
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Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta must hope his decision to play Bukayo Saka in the Champions League during the week is not one he is going to painfully regret. Star striker Saka limped off during the first half; Arteta was on the receiving end of fans and media criticism for over-playing his young forward.
There is much riding on such decisions and now Saka must inevitably be a doubt for Sunday’s big Premier League meeting with leaders Manchester City. When asked about the injury in his post-match interview, Arteta replied: “It doesn’t look good.”
Manchester City
However, Pep Guardiola’s side will be without key player Rodri after the midfielder was shown a straight red card against Nottingham Forest and will be serving the final game of his three-match suspension against Arsenal.
Jack Grealish is searching for his form again after injuries and could do with a full 90 minutes to get back on track. Midfielder Phil Foden and World Cup winner Julian Alvarez continue to work on what is becoming a dream come true partnership.
As we head in to game week 8, it is tight at the top of the table. Man City have a single point lead over Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. City were unbeaten in the first six games before a shock 2-1 defeat to Wolves last weekend. As you would expect, City had all the possession in that game but could not convert enough chances in to goals.
Haaland
It would be impossible to write about City without mentioning ‘you-know-who.’
Whilst goal goliath Erling Haaland drew a rare blank last time out for Manchester City, the Norwegian has still scored eight times in just seven top-flight games but has been guilty of missing chances since the start of the new campaign. Guardiola has been asked about the striker’s profligacy in front of goal but is not concerned. Pep told reporters – “If you see the chances he’s had and the goals he’s scored he’s at the same level as last season.”
Haaland hit 52 goals in his record-breaking debut season at Manchester City which significantly assisted his team to go on and win the treble. Matching those numbers this time around will be difficult but few would bet against Haaland topping the goalscoring charts again this season.
Everything is set up for an absolute thriller at the Emirates that could go a long way in deciding who lifts the title at the end of the year. Last season, Manchester City brushed Arsenal aside, beating the Gunners 4-1 at the Etihad in April, before going on to claim their third consecutive premier league crown. This time around, who wins this clash of the titans? Arsenal with the home advantage and current run of fantastic form or Manchester City with their incredible depth of squad?
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