ANALYSIS: 3 areas where Man City vs Arsenal will be won and lost as Guardiola faces Arteta

2 months ago 5

Manchester City will be out to rubberstamp their credentials as Premier League hopefuls once again when they play Arsenal on Sunday
Pep Guardiola's side are yet to drop points this new campaign with Erling Haaland already up to nine goals in four games
Legit.ng looks at what could decide the game and the latest team news as Mikel Arteta looks to beat Guardiola for only the second time

Arsenal will make the daunting trip to Etihad Stadium this Sunday, looking to halt Manchester City's perfect start to the new campaign.

Despite Pep Guardiola's tongue-in-cheek 'no motivation' talk before the start of the season, the defending champions have started the season strongly.

Manchester City will aim to become the first side to win five top-flight titles in a row. The Gunners have been their closest challengers in the last two seasons, and early indications show that it will be another close race between the master and the apprentice.

Manchester City vs Arsenal preview

Arsenal recorded a hard-fought win in the North London derby last weekend, while City pipped a stubborn Brentford. They both then played out to drab draws to Italian opposition in the Champions League.

Key battlegrounds for Manchester City vs Arsenal

Legit.ng looks at where this game could be won and lost.

1. Erling Haaland vs Arsenal's stout defence

Bar Harry Kane, Haaland might be the hottest striking commodity in the world right now. With nine goals already, the Norwegian is chasing a third Golden Boot title in a row.

However, the defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes proved to be a difficult nut to crack for Haaland last season. With questions rising about him ghosting in big games, the former Borussia Dortmund man will be keen on a good performance on Sunday.

To make matters worse for him, Saliba and Magalhaes are backed by an on-form David Raya, who has only conceded once this season. Can Haaland get the better of them?

2. De Bruyne, Odegaard missing - who will create?

Both Guardiola and Arteta will be missing their creative juices for this clash. The latter will perhaps be the most affected, given how dull Arsenal has been in recent games without their captain. The decision not to replace Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Viera could be costly in the long run

Bukayo Saka will have to fill the void left by Odegaard. The Englishman has set up goals in each of Arsenal's opening games of the season. Declan Rice will be available for selection after missing the NLD through suspension.

Will De Bruyne play against Arsenal?

For De Bruyne, Guardiola has the luxury in the form of the league's MVP last season, Phil Foden. Foden has hardly gotten into gear this season due to fitness issues, but he will be the obvious pick alongside prodigal son Ilkay Gundogan and the metronome that is Rodri.

Creating chances will be as important as nullifying the opposition's threat —an area in which Rodri and Rice are expected to excel.

3. The master vs the apprentice

In a game of fine margins, managers often come alive by how they set up their teams. Arteta has recently borrowed heavily from the phrase 'if we don't win, then let's not lose either.'

His defensive masterclass was in full motion in Bergamo as they frustrated an excellent Atalanta side. In this fixture last season, they restricted City to only one shot on target.

There is a good chance that he will set up his team in a similar manner, especially with Odegaard's absence. A double pivot of Rice and Thomas Partey could help counter City's threat.

In response, Guardiola will also be keen to select players who can beat the press, draw fouls, and provide service to Haaland. He is spoilt for choices with Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and even newbie Savinho capable of unlocking any defence on their good days.