Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Match Preview
Arsenal was the prime challenger to Manchester City for the Premier League title last year. Arsenal led Manchester City in the title race for most of the season. They gave a good fight to Pep Guardiola’s Man City last year but couldn’t stop them and had to settle for the runner-up position.
However, Arsenal will have another opportunity to upset Manchester City and take their revenge when they face each other in the league for the first time this season. Arsenal will host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)
Manchester City has dominated the tie against Arsenal in their last five meetings. Manchester City has won four games against Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three. However, in their most recent meeting, Arsenal handed a defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield final. Trossard’s equalizer in the 11th minute of injury time and Ramsdale’s heroics in the penalty shootout handed a defeat to Pep’s team. In their last league meeting, Manchester defeated Arsenal with a significant scoreline of 4-1, thanks to De Bruyne’s brace.
Injury Concern for Pep?
Pep’s City got off to a flying start in the EPL 2023/24 as usual, winning their first six matches and topping the table with 18 points. However, the injury to Kevin De Bruyne and the suspension of Rodri have been concerns for Pep in his latest fixture. Pep suffered his first defeat of the season in the last match against Wolverhampton, with key players Rodri and De Bruyne unavailable for the game. These two players will not be available for the fixture against Arsenal later this evening.
Battle for the Top of the Table
Arsenal is the only unbeaten team alongside rival Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League 2023/24. Arsenal is third in the table with 17 points, just one point behind Manchester City and two points behind league leader Spurs. The match between Arsenal and City is also set to determine the league leader. Whoever wins the game is sure to overtake Tottenham at the top of the table if the match doesn’t end in a draw.
Players to Watch
Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
Alvarez has consistently performed and delivered for Manchester City this season. Whenever Haaland has failed to deliver, Alvarez has stepped up and decided the fate of Man City on his own. He has already scored six goals and provided four assists for Manchester City this season. He is definitely the prime threat for Arsenal alongside Erling Haaland in this game.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka has been the main man for Arsenal this season. He has already scored four goals in the league this season. He is the main threat to Ederson in Manchester City’s goal. However, Saka recently suffered an injury, and he might not start the game for Arsenal.
