Arsenal will clash with Manchester City in a special game in the context of the Premier League, with three players likely to play a crucial role.
Manchester City’s appointment of Pep Guardiola once and for all put them on top of the Premier League pile in a dominant way. Liverpool might have come closer to challenging and even snatching away one league title in the process, but the Cityzens have otherwise remained undisputed in a league of their own.
While Liverpool have faltered away this season, Arsenal have risen from the ashes of mediocrity. The Gunners, once a dominant force in English football, were one of the first victims of Manchester City’s steady rise in England. The north Londoners have not won in 10 games against the Cityzens in the league, which is quite baffling.
Winner on Wednesday takes control of first place in the Premier League 😤
Arsenal vs. Manchester City is going to be electric ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/dWvTQeIA0C
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 12, 2023
Mikel Arteta is steadily getting Arsenal back to their previous heights, and this game against Manchester City represents more than just a title decider. The clash will have a deep impact on Arsenal and the future of the club. Their manager is trying to restore their lost status, and a win on Wednesday will go a long way toward getting there.
The game presents a different challenge to Arsenal after faltering against two physically dominating sides, Everton and Brentford. The match at the Emirates will have two technically astute sides. Hence, there is more emphasis on who controls the game in afforded spaces, as each team will look to break the lines to gain supremacy.
While each position will have its importance, we look at three players who could have a bigger say in proceedings.
Thomas Partey
The importance of Thomas Partey in this Arsenal system was again evident in the last few games when the Gunners faltered. Arsenal have lost two of their last three games in all competitions, and those defeats came against Manchester City in the cup and Everton, with both being lost by a 1-0 margin.
Last year, Thomas Partey bossed a City midfield of Bernardo, De Bruyne and Rodri. It took a soft penalty and Gabriel’s red card for #Arsenal to drop back. He’s been producing that level every week since and we need to see it again tomorrow. #ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/FP74SwBYdF
— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) February 14, 2023
Incidentally, the winning goal came after Partey was substituted, which showed Arsenal lacked some control of the game without the midfielder. Going back to January 1 2022, when Arsenal last hosted Manchester City, something changed that day with this team.
The manner of their defeat was disappointing amid all the chaos caused by refereeing decisions. Yet, Partey was the standout star. And that was probably the game when this current crop of Arsenal stars realised the actual system Arteta wanted to implement.
It was also a day when Partey’s importance became glaringly visible to the supporters. He singlehandedly took control of the game and ran the midfield. Manchester City’s Rodri or anyone else did not match the Ghanaian’s prowess.
Arteta would hope that Partey continues to play the way he does and gives his side the edge. The midfielder is key to how Arsenal will control the tempo. In fact, he will come to dictate the speed of the game. Moreover, his defensive work will be needed. And more so, supporters will hope this is another game where their No.5 dominates Rodri & co.
Rodri
While Partey remains a better midfielder in some aspects, one cannot ignore what Rodri brings to the table. The Spaniard is a solid option in any team and capable of playing central midfield or central defence. Much like the Ghanaian, Rodri brings total control to his team’s actions and manages the tempo.
What a performance by Rodri.👏 pic.twitter.com/qap57bsqPQ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 12, 2023
This battle between Rodri and Partey is the most important in a game of this magnitude. While the latter is more of a risk-taker, the Spaniard tends to play it safely and efficiently. He has been key to Manchester City’s success and fully understands Pep Guardiola’s system.
There is no surprise over links with Barcelona in recent days. He is the blueprint midfielder Xavi Hernandez needs in his system to replace Sergio Busquets in the long term. Whether or not the move to Barcelona materialises and the chaos that could dawn upon them at the Etihad, the Spanish international will have his suitors watching over during this visit to Arsenal.
If the Gunners can manage to control Rodri’s movements, they have every chance of controlling the game. But that is also his attribute to find space and time to keep the tempo in his side’s favour for most parts. Hence all eyes will remain on the midfielder and his game as Manchester City look to chase Arsenal down in this terrific Premier League title chase.
Bukayo Saka
It is difficult to choose from a pool of attacking players that could take up the pitch on Wednesday evening. Chief among them is Bukayo Saka, with the England international hoping to have a better game than he has had in recent outings.
Bukayo Saka is having an impressive season in the Premier League! 🔥✨ pic.twitter.com/L2aAtkNE4P
— Arsenal Inside (@arsenalinside_) February 12, 2023
Since the win over Manchester United, the two physically imposing teams, Everton and Brentford, have somewhat nullified his presence by doubling down on the England international. Yet, Saka was able to find space from time to time and create opportunities for his teammates.
Whether Guardiola repeats the trick of bringing Nathan Ake into the fold to control Saka’s movements remains the question. Either way, the English winger will have thought about a way to get past the Dutch defender after somewhat struggling during the FA Cup clash at the Etihad a few weeks ago.
Saka is key to Arsenal’s chances, as, besides Martin Odegaard, he is their most important attacker. His careful movements and burst in tight spaces have proved crucial for the Gunners to dominate the right-hand side. Once again, all eyes will be on the England international and what he can achieve in yet another game of magnitude.
