Super Sunday has for us a super game. The Etihad will host the high flying Emirates side as the Citizens take on the Gunners. 18 Yard Box looks at how the game will fare and also as to what the result maybe.
The last time Arsenal played Manchester City in the Premier League they had all but ensured their downfall. A Mikel Arteta stunner from 20 yards settled matters between the two. Roberto Mancini's men will be looking to avenge their loss in front of their home crowd.
A match that sees the defending champions take on the in form Gunners will be a treat to watch. 18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai analyses each team separately and gives the final verdict as to who will come out on tops in this high profile clash.
Manchester City
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| Can he be stopped? |
2 draws and 2 wins in the first four games is not exactly the way City would have wanted them start their title defence. The Premier League Champions have looked out of sorts in their previous games. Although undefeated, they have faced situational crisis already this season. Mancini would be hoping that his boys show mental strength after a 3-2 loss against Real Madrid in the midweek.
Strengths
From the outside its really difficult to find weakness in this star-studded line up. City have every potion required to create magic. A little wizardry of Silva coupled with the Troll like strength of Yaya Toure completes the magical school for City. The return of Sergio Aguero will provide City with the much needed boost that they require. The former Ateltico Madrid man was the third highest goal scorer last season and will be looking to make a comeback against the Gunners. City's defence looks strong with Kompany and Lescott more than able to deal with Arsenal's strikeforce. Moreover the luxury of choosing either one from Dzeko, Balotelli, Tevez and Aguero shows the kind of squad City possess.
Weakness
The only weakness that City possess is in the full back region. The injury to Micah Richards has forced Mancini to invest on Maicon in the transfer market. However the Brazilian has not yet come to terms with the Premier League and has struggled in the two games he has played. Moreover, Gael Clichy has failed to bring alongwith the the form he had at Arsenal. Mancini would do better to play Kolorov and Zabaletta on Sunday if they have to deal with the trickery of Gervinho and Chamberlain and overlapping runs of Arsenal's full backs.
Arsenal
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| The duo need to combine well if Arsenal want to win |
Having extended their unbeaten start to the season to 5 matches, after their recent Champions League away win, the Gunners are turning on the heat required to challenge for the honours this season. The recent performance against Montpellier has shown that Arsenal can attack as well as defend this season. Arsene Wenger will love to stamp their authority by another victory at the Eithad.
Strengths
Attack, defence and midfield. There is no one place where Arsenal lack this season. Having scored ten and conceded only twice in all competitions this season, Arsenal are a team to reckon with. They might not possess the luxuries which City does, when it comes to picking a squad, but have enough firepower to destroy any team. The likes of Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have gelled in well and are already starting to prove their worth. With 4 goals between them, the duo are also acting as providers. Moreover, the rejuvenation of Gervinho has also added to Arsenal's artillery this season. The Ivorian has been in top form this season and has got his name already on the score sheet thrice in all competitions. To add to this the news of the return of Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong to full training this week will boost the moral of the Gunners.
Weakness
The only but the most important weakness which Arsenal have is Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has played a part in almost all the matches for the Gunners this season and has failed to score a single goal. A disappointing start to his season, Giroud hasnt lived upto the tag of a 'replacement' for Van Persie. To add to this the Gunners will have to be careful as to not let in too many cheap goals like they did against Southampton and Montepellier in the week.
Importance of the win
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| Both managers will be looking for all three points |
Both teams will be looking for three points when they step on to the field on Sunday. City lie on fourth position (on goal difference) with Arsenal just in front. The Champions will like to get their season up and running and this will be a good opportunity to show that they are not one season miracles. On the other hand after 7 trophyless years Arsenal looks like they have finally produced a squad which can challenge for silverware this season. This will be their first major test of the season and they would like to win it to make their presence felt.
The Final Verdict
An open game with Gunners dominating possession is on the cards. City's counters can prove to be menacing and at home they will start as favourites. However Arsenal will provide City a stern test and will hit the ground running right from the starting whistle. City will be low on confidence going into this one. A high scoring draw is what most would think but a 2-1 win to the high flying Gunners might just be possible.
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh Ghai is a writer for Goal.com India, contributor for Goal.com International (all English editions) and Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box
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