Mikel Arteta gave Arsenal squad the best part of two extra days off in build-up to Manchester City game
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pulled off a master stroke by giving most of his players the best part of two extra days off in the build-up to the Manchester City game, according to the Mirror.
The Gunners looked refreshed as a result for the Sunday cracker, with most of their injured players becoming available after lay-offs.
Arsenal enjoyed a huge win over their title rivals Man City in a result which could have a huge impact on the race, with Gabriel Martinelli leaving it late to fire his side to a 1-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.
It was the first time since December 2015 that the Gunners were beating the Sky Blues in a Premier League game, and it sent a huge statement of intent to their rivals.
Arteta has a reputation for pushing his players incredibly hard in his training sessions, but his decision to hand them much-needed rest ahead of such a high-profile game paid off in the end.
Arsenal were the better team at both ends of the pitch against Pep Guardiola’s, limiting the visitors to just four shots all game, with only one hitting the target.
Not many teams can boast shutting out Man City, and the North Londoners will be looking forward to their next visit to the Etihad Stadium in March 2024.
Arsenal are now joint league leaders alongside Tottenham Hotspur after eight league games having picked up 20 points each, with the Gunners in second place only due to an inferior goal difference.
They resume Premier League action on October 21 with a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, and picking up all three points against the Blues will further boost their title chances.