Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphatically ruled out any notion of playing for a draw when his team travels to face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League encounter this Sunday. The Gunners currently hold a six-point advantage over Pep Guardiola's side, making this top-of-the-table clash potentially decisive in the title race.
Defiant Stance from the Arsenal Boss
When questioned about whether he might consider settling for a point at the Etihad Stadium, Arteta was unequivocal in his response. "I'm not going to spend one second talking about that," he declared. "We prepare every game to win. That's why we are where we are and we're going to continue to do the same."
Title Challenge and Injury Concerns
Arteta emphasised that Arsenal have earned their position as title contenders, but acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by City, whom he described as "arguably the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen." However, the Gunners face this pivotal match without key winger Bukayo Saka, who continues to battle an Achilles injury.
Saka's absence has coincided with a concerning dip in form for Arsenal, who have managed just one victory in their last five matches. Their recent defeat to Bournemouth has handed momentum to Manchester City, who responded with an impressive 3-0 victory at Chelsea.
Guardiola's Stakes and Historical Context
Pep Guardiola has suggested that City's championship hopes would effectively end with a loss to Arsenal. Arteta responded to this by noting that "there are six games to go" and that Sunday's match is "a really important one for both teams." He added that a victory would "incline the balance a little bit" in the title race.
The last meeting between these sides at the Etihad in September 2024 ended dramatically, with Erling Haaland launching a ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel's head and telling Arteta to "stay humble" amid post-match clashes. When asked about Haaland's comments, Arteta simply replied "No" before adding with a smile that it was "one of the nicest things that you can get told."
Squad Updates and European Context
Despite Noni Madueke limping off during Arsenal's Champions League draw with Sporting Lisbon, he is expected to be fit for Sunday's match. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori will all undergo fitness assessments on Saturday.
Arteta also drew parallels between the Premier League title race and Arsenal's Champions League campaign, noting that "if we win the first game in the semi-final of the Champions League we're going to be closer" to European glory. He concluded by expressing excitement for the challenge ahead, stating: "That's a huge privilege, and we can't wait to play, and we're going to prepare the game to win it, that's for sure."
