Mikel Arteta Given key Strategy to boost Title Hopes in Crucial Manchester City Clash
Arsenal may have clinched a famous victory in Sunday’s North London derby, but Mikel Arteta and co won’t be resting on their laurels ahead of another huge week.
The Gunners beat Tottenham 1-0 at the weekend without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to stay within touching distance of the pack at the Premier League summit ahead of this week’s showdown with Manchester City.
The champions are chasing a record-extending fifth successive domestic crowd and Arsenal know that a loss would leave them five points behind their title rivals at this early stage of the season.
Arteta gets title boost
Arsenal have the best defence in the entire Premier League according to Alan Shearer – and it could prove to be the difference in the title race.
The Gunners have shipped just one goal in their four league matches so far this term after shutting out Spurs in the North London derby and will be hoping to match that feat against City in their next fixture.
Shearer reckons Arsenal’s backline is superior to City which could have them the advantage in Sunday’s crucial showdown at The Etihad.
Gary Neville has told Mikel Arteta that bringing Declan Rice back in is the only change he should make for Arsenal’s trip to Man City.
The Gunners head to Manchester off the back of a rousing victory in the North London derby which was achieved without club captain Martin Odegaard or Declan Rice.
And as impressive as Arsenal were against Spurs, Neville insists Rice should go straight back into the team – but the rest of the XI Arteta named on Sunday against their arch-rivals should keep their place.
Jurrien Timber has insisted that Arsenal are going to The Etihad to beat Manchester City after they were accused of playing for a draw last year.
The Gunners have not won at City for nine years and were beaten after travelling to the champions last term – a result that ended up working in City’s favour in the title race.
Some felt Arsenal tried to play for a point last term but Timber insisted that wouldn’t be the case this time. He said on Sunday: “We always go everywhere with the intention of [getting] three points.
“It wasn’t our intention to go for a draw there [last season]. I wasn’t there, obviously, but I know how this team thinks – and we go everywhere for a win.”
