In the second blockbuster of Sunday night, Arsenal entertain
Manchester City in what seems to a mega important clash.
Although the game between the two EPL giants will be played
between 11 men, it just takes some battles on the pitch to turn the game in the
favour of the eventual winners.
18 Yard Box brings to our readers three such battles which
can turn the game around its heels. Take a look.
Theo Walcott v/s Vincent Kompany
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The 23 year old Gunner contract rebel has been their best player on the pitch so far. Naturally a winger, Theo Walcott’s desire to play in the central role is such that he wouldn’t sign a new contract until this is guaranteed by his manager. But he faces his toughest test against the Belgian centre back when he takes the central due to the absence of Olivier Giroud due to an injury.
The pacey centre forward will be a difficult man to mark for the City captain as his runs might create confusion in the City the defense. However, his hold up play might be where Komapany might enjoy dominating as Walcott is not known for keeping the ball well. Having a height incomparable to that of Komapany’s, Walcott might struggle against Kompany’s physical strength. The only place where the English international could exploit Komapany is the off the shoulder runs which he could make thereby running clear off the defense and facing the keeper one on one.
At present Walcott clearly seems unprepared to go against such a kind of defender and there seems to be only one winner in this contest and that is Vincent Kompany.
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Jack Wilshere v/s Gareth Barry
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The Arsenal number 10 has been in prime form after his coming back from an 18 month injury spell. Finding his ‘burst’ yet again, he has been Arsenal’s linchpin in attack linking Cazorla with Arteta. Marking him will be a tough test and this test might be faced by the English international Gareth Barry.
The English midfielder might come into the team, thereby filling the void left by the departure of Yaya Toure to the AFCON. However, the former Aston Villa man has failed to translate any kind of form he had at Villa Park ever since he was transferred to the Etihad. Jack Wilshere’s clever turns, change of space and an eye for a precise pass will trouble Barry a lot and he could find himself caught in no man’s land at times. If not on his toes, Wilshere might prove to be the difference this time around.
Barry has a double headache of keeping not only Wilshere at bay but also keeping Cazorla at arm’s length of the City defense. This double task might just be too much for Barry to handle.
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Edin Dzeko v/s Thomas Vermaelen
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Edin ‘supersub’ Dzeko has been City’s saviour so far this season. Scoring at the death, Dzeko’s contribution to City has won them games from a losing position. Initially not a favourite at the Etihad, the Bosnian starlet has made a niche in the starting 11. However, he will be against the Arsenal centre back Thomas Vermaelen on Sunday and will face a stern test against the Belgian defender.
Initially poor but now stern, the Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has failed to lead his team from the front. Taking his time to find his feet again, he is now ready for any kind of challenges. As he goes against the 26 year City man he must be aware that its not only the height which will be the issue but his off the shoulder clever runs which will be picked out by David Silva quite often. The Belgian will need immense help for keeping Dzeko under control and this should be provided by Per Mertesacker.
At this point, the duel is too close to call but with a little smartness the Arsenal captain could stop the Manchester City goal machine.
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Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .
Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter
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