Arsenal vs Manchester City, Pep Guardiola vs Mikel Arteta, The master vs the apprentice, Title race showdown
When Guardiola sanctioned Arteta’s departure to the Emirates who would’ve thought that the former Gunners midfielder would potentially be the man ending the Catalan’s dominance of the Premier League. As things stand, heading into Sunday’s showdown, the north Londoners have a one-point lead over City.
Arsenal haven’t won at the Etihad since 2015 and last season were well beaten, which all but ended their title hopes. Since then though, following some shrewd additions, the Gunners present a different challenge and will expect to be better off for their recent experiences.
City, despite sitting third coming into the weekend, remains the team to beat and both teams may have to deal with some unwanted injury problems. Nevertheless, when we look back on the final day, the result of Sunday’s encounter will likely have gone a huge way to deciding where the trophy ends up.
Can Arsenal land the victory that could prove defining as they look to end a two-decade wait for a league title? That’s the big question.
Manchester City haven’t looked as convincing in games against their top-four rivals this season as in previous years, with some generous refereeing helping them out against a depleted Liverpool before the break. Even so, we know better than to dismiss Pep Guardiola’s side after witnessing their fast finishes to the last few campaigns
Arsenal faltered in the face of City chasing them down last season, but the expected absence of Kyle Walker and John Stones on Sunday could be enough for them to avoid a repeat. City just don’t tend to lose league games in March and April, though – the last time it happened, Marcelo Bielsa was in charge of the opposition.