The last time both teams met in August, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva scored in each half as new Arsenal head coach unal Emery’s first game in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat at d Emirates stadium. The citizens appeared to be firm favorite to retain the title they won last season but a deep in form during the month of December led to Spurs overtaking them in second place following a 2-1 loss to Leicester City that made it back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time in two years. They gained momentum by winning 5 games on the bounce but their last game ended in a 2-1 defeat to a spirited Newcastle United.
Arsenal on the other hand have had an inconsistent season so far. Their first two games of the season ended in defeats to City and Chelsea but they went on a 22- game unbeaten run in all competition.
Three defeats in five games, coupled with cup exits makes challenging for the top four their only realistic target this season. A much-improved second half performance helped the gunners to a 2-1 win over a well-organised Cardiff side in their last mid-week game.
PLAYER WATCH
The citizens still remain the highest scoring side in the league with a potent attack comprising Aguero and Gabriel Jesus with 30 goals between them. Raheem Sterling and Leroy sane are constant threats from the flanks with 24 goals and numerous assists from their ends. Although, the services of Kelvin De Bruyne have really been missed, Bernado Silva, David Silva and the newly acquired Riyad Mahrez have occasionally turned up with their fair share of goals too. The trio have contributed 27 goals so far this season.
Arsenal heavily rely on their attacking duo of Aubameyang and Lacazette. Both players have scored more than half of their goals this season with 24 goals between them in the league. Players like Ramsey constantly linked with an exit and Alex Iwobi have had significant impact with goals and assists this season.
Also, Mesut Ozil who has not featured regularly this season returned to captain the side in their 2-1 win over Cardiff city.
HEAD TO HEAD
Both teams have played each other 43 times. Arsenal have most wins (23),they have been victorious in city’s ground on 10 occasions, most of which were before the massive emirati investment in Eastland. Manchester city’s win total of 10 were mostly on home turf(7 wins). Both sides have played out draws 10 times between them.
INJURY RECORDS
MANCHESTER CITY
Mendy(kneel) Mangala(kneel) Danilo(knock) Silva(Hamstring) Bravo(Achilles)
ARSENAL.
Konchelny(Jaw), sokratis(ankle) mhkitaryan(foot) Bellerin(kneel) Holding(kneel) welbeck(ankle)
MANAGERS ANGLE
Both managers have had their own fair share of battle especially during their la liga era. Emery’s record against his counterpart is very poor, having never won a game in 11 meetings that have seen pep come out top seven times with 4 draws. Both managers are obsessed with attacking display which will be eye catching for the numerous neutrals watching from far and wide.
Football Chronicles 