Arsenal host Man City this weekend as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta welcomes his former colleague, Pep Guardiola, to the Emirates. Arteta has had a rollercoaster ride since leaving City over a year ago. The Spanish manager has seen his side win the FA Cup and led them back from a terrible slump at the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign. Pep, on the other hand, has been flying with City. His side are top of the Premier League by ten points following a run of 12 consecutive wins in the league.
Form
Arsenal comfortably defeated Leeds 4-2 last weekend to end a three-match run without a win. It was also the first time the Gunners has scored four goals in a match this season. Arsenal suffered a small blip towards the end of January and early February, drawing one and losing two. But, longer term, the Gunners have only lost two of their last 10 Premier League matches and won six of these fixtures. At home, Arsenal look strong, drawing three and winning three of their last six.
After beating Everton 3-1 in mid-week, City extended their winning streak to 17 in all competitions. In the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in their last 16, winning 14 and drawing two. Away from home, City are equally as impressive, winning six in a row and scoring 18 goals in this time, including seven in their last two away matches. Bookmakers, especially those found on https://www.betting24.se/ struggle to prize Arteta’s side up as their form is erratic, at times losing multiple matches in a row, only to then turn it all around and string together a strong series of wins.
Key Players/Injuries
Although Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not hit top form this season, he looked back to his best in the 4-2 win over Leeds. Aubameyang scored a hat-trick in the match and almost added a fourth late on but was denied by the post.
Arteta has relied on young players Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka recently, who are at the heart of the Gunners’ link up play between midfield and attack. Following his assist for Aubameyang’s fourth last weekend, Smith-Rowe became Arsenal’s top assist provider for the season with four setups for his teammates.
If Ilkay Gundogan is fit for City this weekend, he will be a key player for the visitors. Gundogan is one of the most in form players in the Premier League and has scored eight goals in his last nine, including three braces in his last seven games.
Raheem Sterling is also in electric form. The English forward has scored four and assisted two in his last five games. City will also be buoyed by the return of Kevin de Bruyne this weekend.
Thomas Partey remains doubtful for Arsenal following a thigh injury. City will be without Nathan Ake (match fitness) but Ilkay Gundogan could return from a recent groin injury.
Head-to-Head
Since Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019, Arsenal have played City four times and lost three. Arteta’s only recent win over Pep came in last year’s FA Cup semi-final, which the Gunners comfortably won 2-0.
In the reverse fixture between the sides in December 2020 at the Etihad, City eased past the North Londoners 4-1.
Likely Winner
Arsenal won’t be an easy team to beat at the Emirates and the Gunners will give City a tough test. Arteta’s side are well drilled, particularly at home, and will set up to hit Guardiola’s side on the counter.
However, the visitors remain the clear favourites and, if they continue to create chances with regularity, like they have in recent weeks, they could win by a few goals.