Manchester City vs Arsenal: Three key players to watch

The Hard Tackle lists three players whose performances will be crucial in the game between Manchester City and Arsenal on Wednesday.

 The 2022/23 Premier League season has reached its final phase after several twists and turns. But a few more might be upon us when Manchester City and Arsenal lock horns at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

The title race for the 2022/23 Premier League season has been the story of “Master vs Apprentice”. Mikel Arteta has finally stamped his authority at Arsenal after a few years of trials and tribulations. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s charges unsurprisingly remain in the hunt for a treble yet again.

The two clubs have engaged in a riveting battle for the title, with Arsenal leading the way for much of the campaign. But the Gunners have slipped up in the last few games, playing three stalemates in a row. On the other hand, the Manchester City juggernaut has been picking up steam for several weeks. And Guardiola’s men are one of the most in-form teams in Europe right now.

Arsenal’s lead atop the table is minuscule now, meaning three points are like Goldust this week. On the other hand, Manchester City can deal a hammer blow to the North London club’s hopes with a win. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players whose performances will be crucial on Wednesday.

Bernardo Silva

Our list begins with the man for the big occasions at Manchester City. This player often delivers the goods in the matches with huge stakes. We are, of course, talking about Bernardo Silva, who saves his best for the clutch moments.

The Portuguese international has risen in stature in the last two seasons after expressing his desire to leave. And while Silva remains eager to embark on a new adventure amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola is keen to keep hold of his prized asset.

As for matters on the pitch, Silva’s versatility is his greatest asset. He might start in a central role for Manchester City but will often move wide to threaten Arsenal with his directness. And this trait in his game allows Manchester City to be fluid in the final third.

The 28-year-old has an eye for a goal in such games and will try to get into dangerous areas. But most importantly, he will be a crucial part of the supporting cast for Erling Haaland, who will look to run riot in and around the Arsenal box on Wednesday. And another eye-catching display will compel Barcelona and Real Madrid to launch the offensive for him.

Martin Odegaard

Considering the ball is in Manchester City’s court in the title race, Arsenal will have everything to lose on Wednesday. So the following two candidates on our list come from the North London club. First up is “Captain Fantastic” Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard is in his first full season as the Arsenal captain and has often led by example. The Norwegian playmaker has embraced the added responsibilities of being the skipper. And the new role has brought the best out of the former Real Madrid prodigy for much of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola has spoken in glowing terms about the 24-year-old in the build-up to the match. But the Arsenal captain will be aware that he has not delivered the goods apart from scoring a crucial goal in the 3-3 draw with Southampton last week.

So Odegaard will be eager to make his mark. And what better way to stamp his authority than by guiding Arsenal to a crucial win over Manchester City? After all, three points on Wednesday will give the Gunners a shot in the arm to shake off the recent poor form and topple the reigning champions.

Gabriel Martinelli

Players like Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and Aaron Ramsdale will be crucial for Arsenal this week. But we have picked another candidate to round off our list for the potential title decider. We are talking about the in-form Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian international headed into the second half of the 2022/23 season looking over his shoulder after the arrival of Leandro Trossard. And while the Belgian international has done well enough to win Arsenal’s Player of the Month for March, Martinelli has been sensational this month.

This month, the 21-year-old has two goals and three assists in four Premier League games. And he has been the go-to player for contributions in the final third, with Bukayo Saka’s output dropping slightly in April. And with Martin Odegaard playing deeper, the onus is on Martinelli to deliver the goods.

The Manchester City defence does not have many weaknesses. But if there is an area to exploit, it is their right-hand side, especially with Pep Guardiola utilising a new system. That brings Martinelli into the picture, with his directness holding the key to unlocking the hosts’ backline.