Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal’s task when they visit Man City tomorrow night is a tough one, but that it’s also an opportunity for his team to carry on the impressive work they have been doing all season long.
The Gunners take a five point lead into this match, although Pep Guardiola’s team have two games in hand, but after winning away at the likes of Chelsea and Sp*rs, the Arsenal boss is backing his side to do it again.
Speaking the press this morning, he said, “Yes, it’s going to be a tough night, and a challenge.
“But, the opportunity is incredible for us. We knew from the beginning, you want to win a Premier League, you have to go to Spurs and you have to beat them; you have to go to Chelsea and you have to beat them; you have to go away from home and you have to beat them.
“And this is what we do. And that’s why we are here. Now we have to go to City and you have to beat them.
“If you want to be champions you have to win those matches, it is as simple as that.”
Reflecting on the progress made this season, after finishing 5th last time around, the Spaniard insists his side have closed the gap they looked to bridge at the start of the campaign.
He was asked if his message was still one belief, and replied, “100%, because we knew from the beginning that City was the team to beat, probably with Liverpool because of what those teams have done in the last six, seven years and they fully deserve that credit.
“And to be at the top, we were the ones that wanted to be closing that gap as much as we possibly could, and we are toe to toe with them.
“We knew that we had to go to the Etihad, and we know that after that they’re going to have another five very difficult game.
“So that game is going to be really important. Is it going to define the season? The answer is no.
“If we win tomorrow night, we haven’t won the league, that’s for sure. It will shift a little bit the percentage, but five games in this league, with the games that we both have to play.
“Very tricky.”
Let’s fucking give it a go! It’s abt damn time we beat them & this will be sweeter than ever’ COYG!
The role of the dice is who replaces Xhaka. Trossard would be fantastic when are attacking but it leaves partey again in the middle on his own. I would play Jorginho alongside partey. We can still trouble them big time in attack with saka martinelli Jesus and odegarrd
I fully agree! Feel like this game is going to be slower-paced in midfield buildup, but fast on the wings. I don’t think either team will press hard making it more about matchups. Jorginho over Vieira for me in a game like this.
Agree about Jorginho. Maybe a further defensive midfielder and sacrifice Jesus.
This is looking like the best option so far. I have seen some awful takes recently, for instance playing Zinny at RB! Bring in Jorginho to hold, allow Partey to play a bit higher up but always have an eye on the defensive side. Give the lads a strong midfield platform to play from and we are in with a good shot! One of the main questions I think is Zinny vs KT at left back. Would be tempted to go for KT defensive ability over Zincheckos ball playing ability. We wont be controlling the game as much so that… Read more »
ARSENAL ARSENAL ARSENAL
If you want to be champions you have to win those matches, it is as simple as that.” Enough said
Nothing ventured in this wicked old world – nothing gained.
At the end of the day, they’ll be just as wary of us.
The win means that we need to treat this like a cup tie that must be won – paradoxically the removal of a draw situ being good enough might just work in our favour. There is absolutely no safety net – we HAVE to do it.
And we can.
COYG
I’ve always thought we’d have to take as many points from City as they do from us this season. I think this game can go in any direction (what game doesn’t?!).
Whatever happens, let’s get behind our boys – I haven’t enjoyed a season like this in Bergkamp knows how long! We may not take the title, but they can’t take away the amazing memories and moments we’ve had this season.
I was re-watching Amy Lawrence’s great documentary, ’89, last night to give me some hope for tomorrow’s match. We’ve had three pretty shitty results in the last three games but maybe that’s what the team needs to deal with the pressure at the Ethiad. I remember the 2-1 defeat at home to Derby followed by a horrible 2-2 draw at Highbury against Wimbledon. We went to Anfield as the underdogs which turned out to be a great position to be in. Tomorrow night could be the same – COYG!
Great post. 👍🍺🍺
Ignore the downvotes; they’re as ignorant as fuck.
We need experienced heads to start. Must include both, trossard and jesus. Drop either odegaard or martinelli.
No.
We start with our famous four and bring on Trossard to run at City’s defence like he did against Southampton.
I hope the fanbase doesn’t succumb to doomy fatalism, because given the close bond between the fans and the players all season, we risk transmitting those bad neurotic vibes to them.
Let’s just give it a right good go for the last 6 games and enjoy being a really good team yeah. It’s fun and nice! Let’s throw our weight behind the lads in thanks for their cracking season whatever happens.
Pls no Holding and Vieria. Enough of those two nonsense.
Enough of the Holding hatred.
He’s more experienced in these matters than you or I will ever be (and I played for Bishop’s Stortford under John Radford’s management in the late 80’s early 90’s)
Get behind the guy, because he will play tomorrow night, he’ll be busting a gut and he’s a Gooner through and through.
That goes for the rest of you blaming him for the team’s collective errors of late.
COYG
I hear a lot that we have to win this game but that’s only true if it means we want to keep it in our hands. At this point, we need to keep ourselves in the race and a draw would be a fantastic result in that regard, meaning we would only need to better City’s results by 2 points in the remaining games. I wonder if the CL might be a distraction for them and we have to give ourselves the best possible opportunity of capitalising on any slip-ups on their part. A thrashing doesn’t do us any favours… Read more »
We can beat City, just be 100% focused, no silly mistakes and we can do it. They’re good but we are too and we shouldn’t be afraid of them at all. I’m glad that Mikel has stopped bigging up Pep, it’s time for us to shine and our support to rock their silly stadium from start to finish. COYG!
COME OOOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!!