Arsenal will need to defy the odds to get anything against Man City

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Arsenal head to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon desperately needing a positive result against the defending Premier League champions Manchester City. It’s been another difficult start to the new season as Arsenal slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat away to Brentford on the opening weekend.

Arsenal went into the game as the heavy favourites to win and not many fans would have bet on a Brentford victory. Bettors could have gone to a casino with bonus no deposit ahead of the match to place their bets but not many would have backed the Bees to claim all three points given this was their first top flight game in over 60 years.

However, Brentford defied the odds to secure a 2-0 win and they were worthy winners on the day. Arsenal followed it up with another poor performance to lose 2-0 at home to Chelsea last Sunday so they head into today’s game sitting in the bottom three.

Mikel Arteta did guide the Gunners to an impressive 6-0 win against West Brom in the League Cup on Wednesday night so the Spaniard will be hoping that victory will have given his players a much-needed morale boost.

However, Arsenal face a daunting task to get anything away to Man City this afternoon as the champions have won each of the last eight meetings between the two sides. Pep Guardiola’s men may have missed out on Harry Kane but they’re still a formidable side and will be confident of seeing off a depleted Arsenal team.

No Partey

Arteta has plenty of fitness concerns ahead of the game and one player certain to miss out is Thomas Partey as the midfielder is still recovering from an ankle injury that’s kept him out of the first three games.

The Gunners splashed £50m on Ben White this summer but the centre-back won’t be involved against City after testing positive for Covid while Gabriel is still not available after missing the last three games with a knee injury. The Brazilian is back in training but built up his match fitness with a run out for the U23s on Friday so won’t be involved today.

Hector Bellerin hasn’t played recently due to a knock, Eddie Nketiah is also out with an ankle injury while Nicolas Pepe is set to miss the trip to City due to illness so Arteta has plenty of concerns.

There could be some positive team news as Bukayo Saka is expected to overcome a knock that he picked up against Chelsea while Kieran Tierney is available after recovering from cramp.

City win

Even the most optimistic Arsenal fan will be fearing the worst heading into this game and the players really need to produce a faultless performance to get a result. Defence will be a particular area of concern as Arsenal have been poor at the back this season.

Man City won 5-0 last weekend and Guardiola has always gotten the better of his friend Arteta so the safe money would be to back a home win. City are the heavy 1/3 favourites to claim all three points so Arsenal are going to have to defy the odds if they’re to get anything.

Let’s hope the Gunners can at least be competitive as another heavy defeat could spell the end for Arteta.

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