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Both opponents took a page from Newcastle’s tactics book and double-teamed the Arsenal wingers to great effect. It severely limited their time and space, which cut down on their, and subsequently Arsenal’s, attacking production. Pep isn’t going to ask Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish to track all the way back. He’s too arrogant. He’ll want his team to impose their will and style on the match, as he always does. And if he unexpectedly switches up his tactics, great.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City match thread: big gameArsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates today in a highly anticipated clash at the top of the Premier League table. It’s first versus second, Mikel Arteta versus Pep Guardiola, red versus blue. An Arsenal win stretches the lead to 6 points + a game in hand. A City win takes them top on goal difference, albeit having played an additional match.
I’ll happily take City’s wingers further from the Arsenal goal. More generally, one of Guardiola’s biggest foibles is galaxy-braining his setup — making changes that wind up with his side looking muddled and confused. If Arsenal are going to do ‘da ‘ting today, they’ll have to do it without Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian picked up an injury in training that, while not thought to be serious, will keep him out against Manchester City and probably Aston Villa, too. The Gunners win 63% of their Premier League matches with Partey and just 47% of them without him. Arsenal will also be without Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, and Mohamed Elneny. It seems as if ESR and Nelson are close to a return, and Mikel Arteta hinted that one or both might even make the matchday squad.
Kevin de Bruyne has five goals against Arsenal, his joint-most against any opponent, and Riyad Mahrez has scored or assisted in each of his last four matches against the Gunners. City score early and score often against the Gunners, opening the scoring in the first three minutes in three of the last four meetings between the sides. Arsenal have given up 10 goals in the opening 15 minutes over their last 13 Premier League matches against City. The Gunners have received three red cards in their last five meetings with City. It’s not pretty.
Arsenal vs Manchester City live stream - Yahoo Movies UK