Today last seasons top two go head to head in a battle for top spot. Sensible money will be on City, but can Arsenal cause an upset?
Recent history says no. We haven't beat City in the league since 2015, a run of 15 games without victory (13 losses and 2 draws, and 12 defeats in a row). We did beat them in the season opener, the Community Shield - albeit with a 110th minute equaliser and the need for penalties.
We have beaten them twice at Wembley in FA Cup semi-finals in that time, so maybe we can move the game to Wembley?
The good news for us is our main nemesis Kevin de Bruyne is out. Rodri is also banned. On the flip side, Alvarez has stepped up a couple of levels this season (from a strong position anyway), Foden is in good form, Bernardo Silva is fit and Haaland is of course still a goal machine. Grealish has had a slow start but looks like hitting form. Supporting acts brought in in the summer, Doku, Kovacic and Nunes have had varying impact but the defence has the best record in the league despite Stones being out all season thus far.
City lost last time out in the PL, a 2-1 defeat to Wolves. A glimmer of hope - however City haven't lost back to back league games since 18/19.
A lot of talk about how we will line up, with many wanting us to go defensive with Rice being joined by Partey in CM. Winning the midfield battle against Nunes and Kovacic - if it is them - could be key, while allowing Odegaard enough of the ball. Havertz starting up top with Jesus wide seems another popular opinion. If Saka isn't fit to start then this could be a valid option, also allowing for Partey to come into midfield.
Doku or Grealish vs White could be a key battle - if White is in the team ahead of Tomiyasu. It will be interesting if both teams play an inverted full back, you could argue that if Partey does join Rice in the middle then an inverted full back only congests that area. Partey could be the invert himself.
I don't think many can go into a game against City confident of a win, but we have to trust the manager to find a way and the players to do it on the pitch.
Can we beat City??
posted on 8/10/23
Expecting/hoping for a good game, I’ll go 2-2.
City seem a bit more vulnerable defensively this season and with no Rodri committing multiple fouls stopping attacks should make a difference.
Anyways hoping it’s a good watch.
posted on 8/10/23
You will never get a better chance to beat them.
No Rodri or KDB and I dont think they replaced Gundogan with a player as good as him personally either.
If City win today then Arsenal will come off that pitch so deflated and rightly so.
I reckon you might sneak it. 2-1.
posted on 8/10/23
Think we'll get beat convincingly, Pep will be raging after last weekend. Do they go on bad runs or just have the odd bad result? In my head they just have the odd bad result but could definitely be wrong.
posted on 8/10/23
Sadly I think you beat them.
Going 2-1 to Woolwich
posted on 8/10/23
Got to cut out the unforced errors if we do that then we've got a decent chance. You just have to look at last season we were well in the game until Tomyasiu made that bad mistake, we got back into it but it felt like we're always chasing the game after that. Obviously the starting line up will be key Arteta has got to get that right.
posted on 8/10/23
Our record against them in recent years is deeply embarrassing - the kind of record you'd expect teams like Bournemouth to have against them. Have to reverse the trend.
posted on 8/10/23
This bad record is there to be broken. It's time to do it.
posted on 8/10/23
No Rodri for City, huge chance for Arsenal this. I still fancy a draw though
posted on 8/10/23
We did it
posted on 8/10/23
It was a bit of a Spurs vs City performance. We defended very well, and took that one chance to win it.