“I won't play for a draw at Man City“

As the season closes in, the ’hatred’ towards Arsenal is getting stronger. It sounds ridiculous, but even some former Manchester United players are favoring City to become champions and not Arsenal. And the reason? Because the Gunners have became boring and are playing it ’safe’. A team that, just two years ago, arguably played the most attractive football in the Premier League has transformed to the point of being almost unrecognizable. After some heart-breaking losses which cost them the title in recent seasons, Mikel Arteta decided to change—both himself and the team. Arsenal are no longer easy prey in big matches, they are leading the title race, and they just booked their place in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League again.

But it has come with a cost – they are not playing attacking, aggressive football and often concentrate on keeping the result when they are in the lead. Today’s big game with Manchester City will also show will Arteta use this tactics again, considering that both a win and a draw at the Etihad is suiting the Gunners. The Arsenal manager was quick to shut down any questions about a potential draw.

"No. We want to win the game. We are there to win the game. I haven't talked about a draw. We need to win the game. And we are preparing to win the game. It's no different to any stadium we've been to in the last five years. There's no change there. We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen. That's a huge privilege, and we can't wait to play the game, and we're going to prepare the game to win it, that's for sure, and we see that as a big opportunity for us“ said the Spaniard.

Silva says goodbye to City

In order to win, Arteta will have to do without no less than six players. With Merino and Saka definitely out, and Madueke, Odegaard, Timber and Calafiori all huge doubts for the clash it means Arsenal have 18 senior players ready in a 20 men team, So, the Spaniard will probably call some youngsters to fill the bench. On the other side is City, full of confidence from a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and with a knowledge. And even former Gunner Paul Merson is not anticipating anything less than Manchester City win.

"It's just unbelievable how it has all turned around. Absolutely mind-blowing to say the least! You just look at it and go, 'wow'. In hindsight, you can't see anything but a Manchester City win. I saw Arsenal in the first 15 minutes against Sporting in the Champions League and told my boy it would be 0-0. You just can't see them scoring! Defensively, Arsenal are solid. If they don't lose this game, they win the league. For City, though, a draw is no good. They must win. I can't see Arsenal winning all their remaining games if they lose to City on Sunday“ said Merson.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 33

Saturday

Brentford - Fulham 0-0

Leeds - Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)

/Justin 18, Okafor 20, Calvert-Lewin 90+5 pen/

Newcastle - Bournemouth 1-2 (0-1)

/Osula 68 - Tavernier 32, Truffert 85/

Tottenham - Brighton 2-2 (1-1)

/Porro 38, Simons 77 - Mitoma 45+3, Rutter 90+5/

Chelsea - Manchester United 0-1 (0-1)

/Cunha 43/

Sunday

16.00: (1.70) Aston Villa (3.60) Sunderland (5.30)

16.00: (3.00) Everton (3.40) Liverpool (2.35)

16.00: (1.50) Nottingham Forest (4.20) Burnley (6.75)

18.30: (1.85) Manchester City (3.80) Arsenal (4.05)

Monday

22.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.35) West Ham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***