Arsenal vs Manchester City in the past few seasons has been a fixture that most people look forward to despite the team not being traditional rivals. The excitement in the air is always there when the Gunners face the Citizens despite the situations surrounding the game.
Arsene Wenger’s men are just coming off from a defeat against a spirited Everton while Pep Guardiola’s team moved only one point away from the Gunners with their victory against Watford, and both teams are eyeing the top spot.
Despite notable absentees from both sides such as Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Mustafi, the quality at display will be immense nevertheless. Here, we look at the best combined XI from both these title contenders.
Goalkeeper – Petr Cech
This selection is in absolutely no doubt. While Cech has not been as good as he was last season for Arsenal, his City counterpart Claudio Bravo has been shambolic and one of the worst buys of the summer so far.
The ever-reliant Czech international gets into this team over the ex-Barcelona man with some ease.
Right back – Hector Bellerin
One of, if not THE best right back in the league, the Spanish international also makes this combined XI with some ease.
Two assists in the league this season alongside great defensive contribution as well, getting past Bellerin is no easy task due to his speed and his tackling ability. The right back is defensively sound and there are few better in the world than him when it comes to making those overlapping runs and tricky passes into the box.
A definite entry into this quality team.
Centre back – Laurent Koscielny
Again, arguably the best in his position in the league. The 31-year-old has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league ever since his arrival and will probably make most combined XI’s in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s captain has scored two goals already this season and averages 1.5 tackles, 2.9 interceptions and an astonishing 6.1 clearances per game in the league. Solid with his head during set pieces too, the French international is one player you would rather have on your team than in the opposition.
Centre back – Nicolas Otamendi
If he were fit, Mustafi would be in this spot without any debate. Alas, due to his absence, it had to be either one of Stones, Otamendi and Gabriel – and out of all the three, the Argentinian comes out superior.
The expensive signing has not yet made the impact that most thought he would, but he’s slowly getting there. 2.7 tackles, 3 interceptions and an astonishing 6.7 clearances per game have made Otamendi one of the better defenders in City’s leaky back four so far this season, and hence he joins the otherwise all-Arsenal defence for this combined XI.
Left back – Nacho Monreal
Joining his fellow Arsenal and Spanish teammate Bellerin in this team is the ever reliant Monreal.
Bellerin and Monreal form possibly the best fullback duo in the league and their balance of attacking and defensive prowess is integral to Arsenal’s success. Monreal although he might not get the limelight that his partner does, performs an equally important task for his team and is one of the rare underrated players of today.
2.1 tackles, 3.4 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per game alongside a passing rate of 85% make sure that the left back gets into this team over his City counterparts.
Defensive midfielder – Francis Coquelin
The latest injury lay-off for Ilkay Gundogan means that the ever consistent 7/10 player Coquelin makes this list.
Coquelin has featured in 13 Premier League games so far and has been consistently above average in all of them. Not too beautiful to watch but not too shabby either, the French international is a hard working midfielder who gets the job done. He averages an impressive 3.3 tackles per game in the league and has a great passing rate of 88%.
While not of the quality of N’Golo Kante, Coquelin is certainly a utility player and makes this list.
Central midfielder – Granit Xhaka
Another midfielder signed just this summer, Xhaka was one of the two high-profile signings made by Arsene Wenger and although he has not been the most impressive of players so far, the absence of Fernandinho makes way for his inclusion in the team.
Two sensational back to back goals and boasting of a successful passing rate of 89%, Xhaka might not have the midfield presence that was expected of him yet but the Swiss international is improving game by game and it will not be long before he shows the fans his true worth.
Right midfielder – David Silva
Silva has been City’s most consistent midfielder since his arrival at Etihad and no one can dispute his importance to the team.
Often underrated, the Spaniard might not boast of the stats that his teammate De Bruyne does but his flair and ability to control the game is second to none in the league. When fit, the 30-year-old would make most combined XI’s and this one is no different.
One of the rare few players whose game cannot be defined by stats, Silva is a true genius and any manager would love to have a player of his calibre.
Central attacking midfielder – Mesut Ozil
Another Arsenal player who can be called the very best at his position.
Ozil has been involved in 16 goals this season and that does not even begin to describe how brilliant a player he is. One of the best players the Gunners have had this century; Ozil’s passing, ability to make those forward runs that he is making nowadays and his understanding of the game make him one of the ideal midfielders.
The World Cup winning German international makes this team with some ease to join this quality midfield.
Left midfielder – Kevin De Bruyne
One of the best midfielders in the league, one of the best players in the league.
While not as creative as Ozil, De Bruyne’s impact in the game is as much, if not more than his Arsenal counterpart. Highly versatile and able to play anywhere in attack, the Belgian’s dangerous runs and pinpoint passes make him one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
The current assist leader in the league with seven assists to his name already alongside two goals, De Bruyne alongside Silva is what makes the Manchester City attack really click. His passing ability and work rate does no harm to his reputation either. Overall, quite an easy selection.
Striker – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean has arguably been the best player this season so far alongside Diego Costa.
Arguably Arsenal’s most impactful player, Sanchez this season and in his current run of form has been a nightmare for defenders to deal with. The 27-year-old is the leading goalscorer in the league with 12 goals in 16 appearances and has assisted his teammates 5 times. In all competitions, the forward has been involved in an astonishing 22 goals so far.
The best player on this list as of this moment, Sanchez completes and leads this high-quality team.
Bench
David Ospina (GK), Gabriel, Kolarov, Yaya Toure, Walcott, Sterling, Nolito
