Arsenal v Manchester City: Peter Galindo previews Wednesday's mouthwatering game
By Peter Galindo
Arsenal v Man City Odds15 February 2023
Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to just three points at the weekend - a margin that might be completely eradicated if Man City win on Wednesday.
Despite having a game in hand, Arsenal will feel that they need to get a positive result in this midweek fixture, especially as the game will be played at the Emirates Stadium. Peter Galindo previews what could be an instant classic.
Arsenal left reeling
Saturday’s draw with Brentford was somewhat controversial, but that now marks three straight matches without a win for Arsenal in all competitions - their longest winless run of the season.
But, with a glass half-full mentality, the Gunners remain undefeated in 14 of their last 15 matches in the Premier League and have only been held scoreless twice this season. However, one of those matches came against Everton in the 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park a couple of weeks ago.
Even though Arsenal were silenced by Man City in their FA Cup loss, Mikel Arteta rotated his squad for that match so it’s probably not a fair reflection of how they will fare in attack on Wednesday. Expect them to maintain their scoring ways given how often City press and harry the hosts.
City’s attacking saviour
Manchester City returned to winning ways in the league with a comfortable 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. They have now scored 10 more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season and enter Wednesday’s game full of confidence, especially given they have won their last 10 league matches against the Gunners.
Erling Haaland has cooled off recently and he exited Sunday’s match at halftime, though it might have been a precautionary measure with Wednesday’s game on the horizon.
Despite Haaland’s dry spell, Man City’s attack hasn’t slowed down too drastically. That is largely thanks to Riyad Mahrez, who has recorded seven goals and four assists in all competitions since the World Cup ended. Chances are if City find a breakthrough, it will be from the Algerian winger.
High in entertainment, low on goals?
Three of the last four games between these teams have produced three goals or less, which includes a pair of 1-0 wins for Manchester City.
This should be a high-quality match that’s easy on the eye, but the smallest of margins might determine the result given what’s at play. Considering Arsenal still have a three-point lead and a game in hand, they will surely be satisfied with a draw and may play conservative from the outset.