Arsenal can overpower City in midfield as Guardiola contends with De Bruyne’s ongoing absence and Rodri’s suspension
Because if not now, when? Arsenal have been competitive in home games against City during Arteta’s reign and have made progress from the bleak defeat in 2019, days before he swapped technical areas, that he readily says hammered home the size of his task. They may well have won on January 1st last year if Gabriel Magalhães had kept his head. But they are yet to face a City side that, from the outside, has the level of vulnerability Guardiola must offset this weekend.
“Physicality is something you need in the league,” Arteta said. “You need to be one of the most powerful teams in the league, that is for sure, and you need to match that up.” Brute force becomes a fine, crucial detail. “You need the players who stand and make it count,” he continued. “Duels are a big thing in those games. It goes either way, one way or the other.”
Arteta will, then, be praying Bukayo Saka is passed fit to deal out his special brand of torment when spaces open up. Saka’s durability is, in many ways, his manager’s weakness: for all the talk of 70-game seasons there is no doubt he needs a rest and Arsenal hope England are on message in the forthcoming international break. It would be no surprise to see him pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad but nor would anyone be shocked to see him patched up and tasked with an hour’s crack at City.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Álvarez and Doku strike late to give Manchester City win at RB LeipzigPep Guardiola’s side didn’t need to be at their best to see off their German opponents
Read more »
Dept of Foreign Affairs 'not aware' of Irish citizens in Manchester attackThe website for Irish women
Read more »
Ariana Grande's mum has released a statement following the Manchester attackThe website for Irish women
Read more »
Cathy Ferguson, wife of former Manchester United manager Alex, dies aged 84She is survived by her husband Alex, three sons and 12 grandchildren
Read more »
Cathy Ferguson, wife of former Manchester United boss Alex, diesThe Ferguson family confirmed the news in a statement.
Read more »