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Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon, in a match that could decide whether the Cityzens are still in the race for the English Premier League trophy.
With a win, draw, and loss in their games so far, Pep Guardiola's side find themselves in the bottom half of the table, eight points adrift of league leaders Everton. On the other hand, the Gunners are fourth after three victories from four matches.
Ahead of kickoff, the good news for Mikel Arteta is that Kieran Tierney is expected to be available for the clash. The defender has been one of the key figures in Arsenal's improving defensive record. However, injury woes for Guardiola's side continue, and a couple of notable players are set to miss the match. Here's a look at why the Cityzens could struggle against the Gunners today.
#5 Lack of home ground advantage for Manchester City
For years under Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery, Arsenal's away form has been particularly poor when they face opponents from the top-six. The last time the Gunners beat Manchester City was back in January 2015, thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla.
However, given the absence of fans in stadiums, it now means that home teams no longer have an advantage over their opponents. This was the case when Leicester City beat Manchester City 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium two weeks back.
There is little doubt that Arsenal have the ability of replicating the Foxes' success. Arteta's side has already beaten City once while playing away from home, and the team should have the belief that they can do it again.
Currently sitting at 14th in the Premier League table, Manchester City's form hasn't been great at all, and there is no better time for Arsenal to take advantage of the situation.
#4 Arsenal's improving record against top-six clubs
When Unai Emery was still in-charge of the Gunners, his win-percentage against a top six side was at a low of 17.6%, and almost 2.3 goals were conceded every match. This led to critics like Patrice Evra saying:
“I just don’t see any leadership. I don’t see any character or any personality. They look weak mentally.”
However, since Arteta took over the role as the new Arsenal manager in December 2019, the Spaniard has inculcated a belief of trust and resilience among his players. His managerial record against the top-six clubs stands at a 44.4% winning rate, and Arsenal have conceded only an average of 1.2 goals per game.
This notable change in form implies that the North Londoners might have a chance against Manchester City today.
#3 Mikel Arteta's knowledge of Manchester City
Having worked with Pep Guardiola for almost three years, there is no other opposing manager who knows Manchester City as well as Arteta does. Due to the 38-year-old's tactics, Arsenal defeated City in the FA Cup semi-final held at the Wembley Stadium in July.
Before he arrived at Arsenal, some doubted Arteta's capability as a manager given his lack of experience. Within a short span of time, the Spaniard has proven his doubters wrong and gained the trust of the squad.
Leveraging his knowledge about Guardiola's style of play, and the ability of every Manchester City player, Arteta can guide his team to victory today. There is no doubt that City know Arteta's influence as a manager. Reflecting on the former midfielder's time at Etihad Stadium, Raheem Sterling commended:
"So I knew once he went into Arsenal that it would be a great opportunity for him, but also he would definitely implement what he wanted to bring in."
"And he's a person that will put his foot down and not let things slide as, you can see with the boys at Arsenal. They know if they don't run they are most likely not going to play."
#2 A mounting injury list for Pep Guardiola's side
In Guardiola's pre-match press conference, he confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus will miss the Arsenal match. While Sergio Aguero has been involved in training, it is unsure if he will be fit to start the game. With multiple key players out of the game, Manchester City could struggle for goals against the Gunners.
Arteta has significantly improved Arsenal's defence this season, conceding just five goals in the last four matches. However, the same cannot be said for City, who have scored fewer and let in more goals than the Gunners in three games.
De Bruyne's absence will be a huge loss for the home team. The Belgian midfielder has a good record against Arsenal; he scored five and assisted two in 10 Premier League matches. Without the 29-year-old, Manchester City could struggle in their attack.
#1 Arsenal's summer additions could make a difference
As compared to the team that had beaten Manchester City 2-0 in July, the squad has recently welcomed Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey. These two defensive additions stand a chance of being named in Arsenal's starting eleven today.
Since his arrival, Gabriel has proven to be a huge game-changer for the Gunners. With an impressive passing accuracy of 93% and an average of three clearances per game, the former Lille player won Arsenal's September Player of the Month award, ahead of the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Additionally, Arsenal have also brought in long-term target Partey on Deadline Day. The Ghanian, who is known for his discipline in the midfield, could slot straight into the starting line-up alongside Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos.
The Arsenal faithful have often lamented how the team lacked balance and stability in the centre of the pitch. Yet, the timely arrival of Gabriel and Partey may very well make a difference in the game and help annul the attacking threat of Manchester City.
