INPOSSIBLE: How Arsenal can beat Manchester City with out this three player
Consistency, according to Mikel Arteta, is the reason for Arsenal’s longest season without a loss since 2007. And come Sunday, that consistency needs to change into quality if the Gunners are to advance in their game.
Despite the fact that it is just October, Manchester City is in town, and the game already has the air of a “title-deciding” contest. The Citizens won all three encounters during the previous season, and their 4-1 thumping at the Etihad Stadium all but guaranteed Pep Guardiola’s team the championship.
Even if they lose on Sunday, Arsenal will still be able to win the Premier League. However, it will put them four points behind City and give them another roadblock. It will be their first victory if they do.
Luis Trossard
Leandro Trossard provides Arsenal with unrivaled service. The Brighton player who was brought in as a January acquisition has proven his talent at the top level since then and presents a totally different threat to Gabriel Martinelli.
One of the few encouraging things about France on Tuesday was his return to Arteta’s starting lineup. Bukayo Saka will be under pressure to penetrate the City defense with Martinelli sidelined and questions over his fitness.
Gabriel Jesus
Keep your friends but your enemies close. That’s the saying, right? Gabriel Jesus spent over four years at Man City under Guardiola’s stewardship. He knows the team and knows what makes them tick.
Now football isn’t as simple as that, we know that. Arteta knows that. But using a player like Jesus, with his smart play and clever thinking in tight scenarios, could work in Arsenal’s favour.
The Brazilian has multiple qualities. Dropping deep to feed players with more skill is one of them yet it could be his pace on the counter that could truly hurt City. Whether he starts down the centre or on the right, Jesus’ will have a point to prove against his former side – especially if Arsenal are without Saka.
Declan Rice
A no-brainer, for sure, but worth mentioning solely down to the importance of the midfield battle. Rodri’s absence due to suspension gives Arsenal the advantage and if Arteta gets the chess battle right in the middle of the park, the potential for three points is there.
Rice has been instrumental since moving to north London and has provided everything and more of what’s expected from him