The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad will most likely decide which team will emerge Champions of the League with only one point separating both sides.
The Gunners have won all eight of their top-flight games of 2024, but Mikel Arteta’s men haven’t won away at the Etihad since 2015. However, City have already lost twice to the Gunners this season, first in the Community Shield, before a 1-0 victory in October’s reverse fixture.
Almost everyone has tipped City to beat Arsenal following the form of both sides when it comes to this fixture and looking at what is at stake for both sides. A win for City will be taken as usual but a defeat will be seen as an upset.
We have decided to highlight three things Arsenal must do to beat Manchester City.
(1) Battle of the Midfield
The midfield is always key to winning a football match, the team that can dominate the part of the pitch always ends up on the winning side because that is where everything starts and ends.
Arsenal’s strength in Declan Rice is one of the reasons why the Gunners might win this title decider because the England international has been key in most of their games this season. Martin Odegaard’s influence on the team will also be a force for the Gunners when both teams lock horns at the Etihad.
(2) Stop Erling Haaland:
Erling Haaland has been in his full element at the Etihad this season, always rising to the occasion most of the time this season. He has shown that he is a key force in Manchester City’s team since he joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in the 2022 summer transfer window. The Norwegian international was responsible for City’s victory against Arsenal at the Etihad last season.
If Mikel Arteta can designate a defender to stop him, then the chances of him getting to score or creating chances for his teammates will be limited.
(3) Take your chances:
Arsenal have one of the best XG ( Expected goals) in the league this season having created the most goal-scoring opportunities. Manchester City have been a shadow of themselves this season despite being third on the league table and this is one thing that Arsenal can take advantage of when they play at the Etihad.
The trio of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odeggard will cause a lot of problems to City’s backline which will be without Kyle Walker and John Stones.
The Gunners will create chances against City but the question is will they take them?
