MODW! Arsenal must have courage facing Manchester City
It will another interesting weekend in the English Premier League as Arsenal Mikel Arteta side travel to the Etihad Stadium in what will be another title decider encounter.
The gunners emerge victorious in the first leg of the game which was played at the Emirate Stadium with Martinelli scoring the only goal of the game. 
Arteta faces a significant temptation to adopt a counter-attacking approach against City, given their formidable possession-based style over the past decade. City has been particularly dominant at home this season, remaining unbeaten in 20 games across all competitions. Arsenal would likely view a draw as a satisfactory outcome before kick-off.
However, City hasn't been as dominant as in previous seasons, evident from their defeat to Aston Villa and a fortunate draw against Liverpool. Cracks have also emerged at the Etihad Stadium, with Tottenham, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea posing serious threats.
Former Arsenal player Gael Clichy suggests a winning strategy for Arteta, emphasizing the need for Arsenal to be proactive and assertive in their approach rather than relying solely on counter-attacks.
Clichy highlights City's vulnerability when they lose possession and suggests exploiting this weakness through players like Saka and Martinelli. Keeping possession and exploiting spaces behind City's defense could be crucial. Despite the challenge, Clichy believes Arsenal is capable of securing points against City and emphasizes the importance of winning the title to validate their progress.
Arsenal two biggest weapons that could change City's game
Arsenal possesses two significant assets this season that were absent in the same period last year. William Saliba's return from injury has been pivotal in solidifying Arsenal's defense, contributing significantly to their status as the best defensive team in the Premier League. Saliba's commanding presence and technical ability mirror that of Ruben Dias at City and Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, making him a formidable force in one-on-one duels. His performance against Erling Haaland could prove crucial in Arsenal's clash with City.
Another key player for Arsenal is their record signing, Declan Rice. Since joining from West Ham, Rice has provided an additional layer of defensive solidity to the team, leading in interceptions and tackles among Arsenal players. His role will be crucial in neutralizing City's orchestrator, Rodri, who has been instrumental in their success and poses a threat with his goal-scoring abilities.
Although Rodri has an impressive unbeaten streak in a City shirt, Rice's influence cannot be understated, particularly in shutting down Rodri and dictating play in midfield. Additionally, Rice's proficiency in delivering set-pieces adds another dimension to Arsenal's attacking threat, with six assists to his name this season.
King Kai unlocking full potential
Arsenal made a significant investment of £65m ($82m) to acquire Kai Havertz from Chelsea last summer, a move that initially raised eyebrows given Arteta's intention to deploy him in Granit Xhaka's vacated midfield role. Havertz faced challenges in adapting to this position, struggling to create chances and effectively link up with teammates, particularly Martinelli on the left flank.
Despite facing criticism, Havertz remained resilient. An injury to Gabriel Jesus prompted a shift to a central striker role, where he thrived. In the lead-up to the international break, Havertz showcased his impact by scoring in three consecutive wins against Newcastle, Sheffield United, and Brentford, while also contributing with assists. His presence offers Arsenal a more direct option with his aerial prowess and strength, providing a Plan B against City's pressing tactics.
Under Arteta's guidance, Havertz has shown improvement in his finishing and displays intelligence in finding space. His partnership with Saka and Martinelli enhances their attacking threat, as they can adapt their positions effectively. With City likely to field a makeshift defense, Havertz's versatility could pose a significant threat and potentially silence his critics. Havertz is finally demonstrating his potential, and his unique skill set could be instrumental for Arsenal in the crucial phase of the season.
