Three reasons Arsenal will beat Manchester City on Sunday
Arsenal host league leaders Manchester City in Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash.
The Gunners have had an impressive start to the top-flight campaign and they are currently on 17 points after seven games, just one adrift of Pep Guardiola’s side.
They have the chance to leapfrog them with a victory at the weekend and could potentially go top of the league with a convincing win or if Tottenham Hotspur drop points.
The Gunners have been on the losing side in each of the previous 12 league meetings against City, but here are three reasons why they will beat them on Sunday.
Absence of Rodri and John Stones
Rodri has been a key catalyst behind City’s dominance in games. The Spaniard has been sensational in the centre of the park this term with 102 passes completed per game with an accuracy of 95 per cent.
He has also won two tackles and 5.5 duels per appearances with nearly eight ball recoveries. His absence due to suspension is a potential setback for the Cityzens and a boost for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Similarly, Stones’ absence from the squad is a plus for the Gunners. The Englishman has impressed with his ability to operate to shift from defence to midfield, thereby creating an overload.
Manuel Akanji has similar traits but he is susceptible to making the odd error at the back.
David Raya’s presence in goal
Raya’s poor pass from the back contributed to Lens’ opening goal in midweek, but the Spaniard is still a better shot-stopper and distributor than Aaron Ramsdale for the Gunners.
He has impressed with his good reflexes and was crucial during the recent 2-2 draw versus Tottenham. The Brentford loanee is also good when it comes to delivering long balls.
This could be used as a potential weapon against the Cityzens. Raya could be asked to initiate counter-attack with accurate long balls towards Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka (If fit).
Set-piece threat
The Gunners have vastly improved from set-pieces since the beginning of the previous campaign. The club netted 15 goals from such situations in the Premier League last season.
This term, they are leading the charts with four set-piece goals. This is an area of strength for them and it is quite clear that they have been working on the same on the training pitch.
With City missing the likes of Rodri and Stones, the Gunners have the opportunity to test the Cityzens’ backline which has conceded in seven of the last eight games in all competitions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
