Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have one key ‘advantage’ over Manchester City ahead of Etihad clash

Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Etihad in what is their biggest game of the season so far.

The Gunners have been City’s main challengers for the Premier League title in the last two seasons. Mikel Arteta has come close, but Pep Guardiola’s side have prevailed in the end.

The Arsenal manager will be hoping to get over that final hurdle this season, and many feel Arsenal should beat Manchester City at the Etihad to show the world that they are ready.

However, Arteta could have a slight edge over Guardiola when the two sides meet on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal have an advantage over Manchester City

Arsenal have a decent record against Manchester City recently.

In the 2023/24 season, the Gunners picked up a 0-0 draw at the Etihad and beat them at the Emirates in the Premier League. Arteta’s men also picked up a win in the Community Shield.

Two wins and a draw in their last three games is a record they should be happy with, but City have had the last laugh in the Premier League title race.

Arteta is desperate to change that this season, and a win on Sunday will push Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of their rivals.

However, the Gunners are going into the game with a slight disadvantage.

Arsenal played Atalanta away from home on Thursday night and are expected to have their only proper training session on Saturday, just a day before the game.

Manchester City, on the other hand, played at home on Wednesday and have had a full 24 hours of rest over Arsenal ahead of the big clash on Sunday.

Arteta has suggested that’s an advantage for Manchester City over Arsenal, and his mentor Guardiola has now agreed with him.

He said in his press conference, as relayed on HaytersTV: “It is an advantage but I’m going to make a list in the last six years how many times we’ve been at a disadvantage against a tough opponent when we had less days of recovery. I have a huge list to show you.

“But, of course, it’s a little bit (of an) advantage.”

Guardiola’s record against Arsenal is frightening

Guardiola is arguably the best manager football has ever seen.

The Spaniard has won it all over the years and has achieved greatness in three different countries. He is truly exceptional and Arsenal know that better than any other club.

Guardiola has managed 30 games against Arsenal over the years, winning 20, drawing four and losing just six. He hasn’t won more games against any other club.

In those 30 games, the Spaniard’s sides have scored 66 goals and have conceded just 29.

That is a frightening statistic ahead of the game on Sunday, but Arsenal should take confidence from their recent record and use that to get one over City at the Etihad.