Mail Column: Arteta Cannot Approach Match Against City with a Draw-Minded Mentality

On September 22, a Mail column discussed the top-of-the-table clash between Arsenal and Manchester City, emphasizing that the Gunners cannot approach the match against the Citizens with a mentality focused solely on securing a draw.

If Arsenal do not merely aim to hold their ground on the pitch, they have the capability to thwart Manchester City. Compared to last season’s intense title race, both Manchester City and Arsenal appear to be even stronger this season.

Following grueling encounters with Tottenham and Atalanta, Arteta’s team might be tempted to replicate last season’s 0-0 away draw against Manchester City. However, this would be a grave mistake. Even without the injured Odegaard, Arsenal still boasts excellent attacking players like Saka, Rice, and Saliba, capable of causing problems for City.

Even a powerhouse like Real Madrid cannot guarantee a win over City within 90 minutes. However, in the previous Premier League round, Brentford demonstrated that daring to challenge City can create difficulties for the Sky Blues.

Last season, Arsenal finished just two points behind City. The Gunners strengthened during the summer transfer window and welcomed Timber back, significantly enhancing their overall strength. Kalafiori is physically robust, plays steadily, and is versatile, capable of playing as a center-back, left-back, and right-back. Timber, positioned at left-back, provides the speed and stability lacking in Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu when facing opponents.

Last season, Arsenal secured four points from matches against City and Liverpool, demonstrating their ability to handle big games. However, losses to Fulham, West Ham United, and Aston Villa cost them the title. Now, it appears that Arsenal has become more consistent against mid-to-lower table teams.

Manchester City will have an advantage due to playing at home and having their Champions League match a day earlier. Hopefully, in this encounter, Arsenal will be bolder than they were during their visit to City last season, which could cause trouble for City.