Soccer fans across the globe are certain to watch the best of attacking football early this afternoon when two giants, Arsenal and Manchester City, engage in an explosive showdown inside the main bowl of the Emirates Stadium in the most exciting fixture of the Match-Day 4 of the new English Premier League season.
Both sides need victory to keep pace with Chelsea that has claimed three wins in three games to take early lead on the log in a season that promises to witness a keen contest for the title race.
The defending champions, Manchester City, will be looking to bounce back from a bitter home loss to Stoke City to avenge the 3-0 bashing by Arsenal in the Community Shield championship play-off to herald the new season. Meanwhile, Arsenal has gone winless off back-to-back away games in the Premier League.
On paper, Manchester City’s strike force would send jitters down the spines of its opponent any day. Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Edin Dzeko and Jesus Navas, are all good bets to net a goal in any game. In the back line, the excellent defensive play of team captain, Vincent Kompany, and a stellar goalkeeper in Joe Hart could frustrate the best strikers on a good day.
But for all its attacking talents, City still suffered a shock home loss to Stoke City. The Sky Blues were poor in finishing all of their many scoring opportunities (16 shots, only two on target) while surrendering the lone goal in a 1-0 loss. With a stinging loss fresh on their minds, they’ll need to rediscover the away form that saw them win 2-0 against Newcastle United on August 17.
In that match, Dzeko assisted Silva to open the scoring while Aguero scored his own goal late into the match to seal the deal. However, they weren’t as solid at the back as they allowed three chances at goal within three minutes late in the second half.
They may have gotten away with it against Newcastle, but giving the talented attacking front of Arsenal as many chances will only spell trouble. Man City cannot be sloppy on the defense, even after building a lead, as Arsenal has already overcome early deficits against Everton and Crystal Palace early this season.
Nevertheless, Man City is a formidable side to contend with, even in hostile territory having won its last three away matches in the Premier League. Interestingly, the Manuel Pellegrini-tutored side is expected to parade no fewer than three former Arsenal players including enterprising attacker, Samir Nasri, defenders Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna who recently joined City.
However, one player that is not likely to get a warm welcome from Arsenal fans at the Emirates today is Sagna for his uncomplimentary comment regarding his move to Manchester City.
“This was the right time for me to leave Arsenal. I wanted to see somewhere new and boost my career,” said the French international.
“I am now part of a much deeper squad at City, where it’s even harder for me to win a first-team place. But I feel more powerful than ever,” Sagna added.
Arsenal has dominated possession in its last two matches for an average of 61.5% possession. It was able to take 37 total shots over the two games, but only managed to score three goals for a meager eight percent conversion rate.
Nevertheless, the Gunners are undefeated in their last 19 home matches in the Premier League, including a 1-1 tie against Man City in March 2014. This time, Arsenal will leverage the red-hot Chilean, Alexis Sanchez, in their midfield.
Sanchez is a proven playmaker with 19 goals and 10 assists in 27 games playing for Barcelona last season. Acquiring him has paid off for Arsenal, as Sanchez had an assist in his Premier League debut and netted a goal against Leicester in his last match. With Arsenal’s prolific striker, Olivier Giroud, (16 Premier League goals and eight assists last season) scheduled to be sidelined for four months due to a broken tibia, Sanchez will have to play a bigger role for his new club.
Still, Sanchez is just one part of the equation. Arsenal currently has a variety of talent on the attack with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil, while enjoying contributions from the back line from the likes of Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny. Former Manchester United striker, Danny Welbeck, may also feature against his former city rivals after sealing a move to the Gunners.
However, Arsenal’s aggressive style of play leaves them very open to counter-attacks and gives their opponents scoring opportunities. They have conceded in each of their Premier League matches this season.
Manchester City has shown some defensive lapses so far. Arsenal has the depth and high-paced attack needed to exploit such openings and looks good to upset the champion, yet again, for a much needed home win.
