Arsenal and Manchester City are all set to battle it out in a match that promises fireworks.
With Arsenal drawing inspiration from their recent Community Shield win and Manchester City keen to make up for their loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, both teams are brimming with confidence.
This clash will be a key determinant in shaping the rest of their Premier League season.
As Arsenal prepare for a top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City, the Gunners’ confidence is buoyed by their earlier Community Shield Final win against Pep Guardiola‘s team.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke positively in his Friday pre-match press conference, highlighting the significance of that win. “To win a title against Man City is always something you have to value, the way we did it as well and it gives us confidence and belief that we can beat them,” he said.
However, Arteta is aware that circumstances have changed since that victory. “That was a while ago obviously. It was after pre-season, we had some players available, some players not available, we are much more into the season, so I think it will be a different game,” he remarked.
Manchester City are also looking to make amends for their surprising 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Speaking on the Premier League’s competitive nature, Arteta said, “Any team in the Premier League has the tools and the quality to beat you and I think all the managers are aware of that, for sure.”
One advantage for Arsenal is the Emirates Stadium’s vibrant atmosphere, which Arteta praised: “First of all I think that we have the best atmosphere ever at the Emirates and if we can create that then it’s going to be so helpful for the team.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who will be part of the Arsenal squad for Sunday’s match, also spoke on Friday about the tough challenge ahead. “It’s a massive game for us,” he said. “The fans at Emirates Stadium are always trying to push us forward. We really appreciate it because it helps us a lot when there are tough moments.”
Zinchenko further acknowledged the quality of the Emirates Stadium, not only for its crowd but also for its pitch. “It was always a pleasure to play here as a City player. Apart from the amazing crowd, they always had amazing grass on the pitch. I don’t remember getting cramp playing here because of the quality of the pitch,” he said.
Discussing last weekend’s game against AFC Bournemouth, where Kai Havertz took penalty duties, Zinchenko explained it was a representation of the team’s unity. “We are one family because we are spending time with each other,” he said.
“It was an amazing gesture from Martin and Bukayo because they are two of our penalty takers and it was so good for Kai. He’s such an important player for us with amazing qualities.”
The upcoming game is particularly significant for Arsenal, as they have not managed a Premier League win against Manchester City since 2015.
Yet, there is a sense of hope, strengthened by recent performances and an environment where both players and fans believe that this could be their moment for a turnaround.
Given the history and the stakes, Sunday’s game promises to be an engrossing encounter.