Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the importance of their upcoming match against Manchester City, their closest challengers, calling it an “incredible opportunity” to extend their lead in the Premier League. Although the Gunners are five points ahead of City, they have played two more games than the defending champions.
A win against City would be Arsenal’s first away win since 2015, and anything less would leave the destiny of the title in Pep Guardiola’s side’s hands. Arteta believes that his team is capable of winning the match, despite doubts raised due to the team’s recent performance.
Arsenal has drawn their last three league games, raising questions about whether a youthful side can deliver the North London club’s first Premier League title in 19 years.
However, Arteta remains confident in his team’s abilities, citing their notable away wins this season, including matches against Chelsea and Tottenham. “You want to be champion; you have to win these matches,” he said.
Arteta also addressed concerns regarding his team’s health ahead of the match, stating that William Saliba is still recovering from a back injury and won’t be able to play. Granit Xhaka is also doubtful for the match at the Etihad due to illness, and Arteta has yet to confirm his availability.
As a former assistant to Guardiola at City, Arteta is familiar with the team’s style of play but believes that his team must adapt to changing situations within a match. He doesn’t think that the match is a “winner-takes-all” contest, adding that “If we win tomorrow night, we haven’t won, for sure.” Arteta knows that there are still five games left in the league, making it a “very tricky” situation for his team.
In conclusion, Arteta believes that the match against Manchester City will be a “massive game” but not one that will define the season. He is confident that his team will give their best performance and hopes that they will come out victorious.
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