Two of Arsenal’s big-time players Rice (left) and skipper Odegaard will be expected to lead from the front. — Reuters
TWO years on the trot, and just when it looked like they might win it, Manchester City scuppered Arsenal’s bid for their first league title in two decades.
In the late game tomorrow, the Citizens could well undo the Gunners’ tilt for the title for the third time in a row.
Mikel Arteta’s side are at home to what can best be described as a resurgent City outfit.
Granted, the reigning champions have not looked anywhere near as good as they have been over the past four seasons, but they can still win, even when the chips are down, and that’s danger for their opposition to face – in this case, Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola saw his squad dig themselves out of a hole in midweek when they stared elimination from the Champions League in the face, before coming from behind to win against Belgian side Club Brugge.
That victory, which in the end looked rather comfortable given the 3-1 scoreline, paved the way for a passage into the playoffs of the European Cup.
Tomorrow, Guardiola’s fourth-place Citizens take on a Gunners side that is through to the last 16 of the Champions League and are six points and two places ahead of them in the league standings.
Similarly, Arsenal are six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand over the Londoners.
Down to the only goal in the first half, City bounced back in the second period, spearheaded by an impressive showing by substitute Savio de Oliveira also known as Savinho.
He made the difference after coming on as a halftime substitute and got City’s third goal as due reward.
Against Arsenal tomorrow, it is quite likely that Savinho will be in the starting XI.
Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard are expected to lead the home team’s charge – two senior players with a lot of experience and talent to match.
Support will be expected to come from Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba too, in the back line, and Gabriel Martinelli in attack.
If both teams arrive with their heads in the right place, we could be in for a cracker. And why not – they are both ambitious and laden with talent, although the Gunners won’t forget what happened to them over the last two seasons. ― By SHAUN ORANGE
