Manchester City vs Arsenal - Sunday, 31 March, 4:30 pm - The Arsenal discussion community: One More in the Tolly

Manchester City vs Arsenal - Sunday, 31 March, 4:30 pm

Bernard Woolley

Realised that there isn't a match thread yet for what may well be our biggest game of the season so far. I didn't expect to be in a title run at this stage in the season, but now that we are in one, it feels a little annoying that this is an away game. I think we would have had a much better chance at home. Saka and Martinelli's fitness are the key monitorables for us. The other question is Jesus vs Havertz and Kiwior vs Zinchenko. I'd vote for Havertz and Zinchenko to start. The more bodies we have around Rodri, the more we can address one of their key players. Lose this and I'd say our race is run; win and we have 9 cup finals to go, as they say.

HomeSteak

Win this and we win the league, No pressure.

Bernard Woolley

Just remembered that we didn't have Saka for the home fixture earlier this season as well, so maybe it's fate 🙂 Raya also had a horror show that day - this will be another big test for him.

Gazza M

looks like they're missing walker and stones, which is a slight bonus for us but they seem to just power on regardless of injuries

one thing I'll say is I think we're better equipped than ever to handle KDB who has repeatedly menaced us in recent encounters. our midfield squeeze - led by rice - can neutralise his impact

goon

Gazza M

He’s been terrible since coming back anyway except that first game against Newcastle.

Walker and Stones would be a big miss for me. Makes them look a lot more vulnerable.

Qwiss

Gazza M but they seem to just power on regardless of injuries

We've missed 2 of our first defensive 4 most of this season. Plus Partey. We've powered through as much as anyone.

Pepe LeFrits

goon Walker and Stones would be a big miss for me. Makes them look a lot more vulnerable.

Akanji is a doubt after the international break I think as well. Will Martinelli be fit though?

goon

It’s weird that we have by far the best head to head record among the top 3 this season, yet we are the ones with it all to prove going into this game.

But let’s embrace it. I genuinely think we’re the better team right now, so let’s go and prove it.

goon

Hopefully, I have a feeling he might miss it though.

Pep confirms Stones and Walker are out, sounds like Ederson is still out too.

Pepe LeFrits

https://theathletic.com/5351431/2024/03/29/mikel-arteta-manchester-city-coach-arsenal/

Good read

Burnwinter

Pepe LeFrits Yep, great feature. A little repetitious maybe but it's good fun to have a manager journalists deem worthy of this kind of myth-making.

samthegooner

Really hoping we can have all three of Martinelli, Saka and Gabriel fit for this match. With Walker out, Martinelli should be able to flourish on the left side and Stones has been one of their most effective players this season in my opinion next to Rodri.

RocktheCasbah

I think we're going to.... win.

Sorry, I'm totally prepared to be wrong on Sunday, but I think this is our time, or as close to it as makes no difference. Gonna be tough, of course it is, but I think we're ready.

It is, however, entirely possible that having been incredibly busy with the relocation of our London office for the last four weeks, I'm just incredibly over tired and delirious.

Pepe LeFrits

I guess it'll be Akanji at RB. Not much of a downgrade for them

HomeSteak

Only Walker and Stones are out for them, but I would not be shocked to see both start.

Big Willie

Hopefully Doku the anti-end product merchant starts for them.

Clrnc

If walker and Stones is out its a huge huge boost for us.

Anyway looking at City record, I am a bit surprised they haven't won at home against any of the top 5 teams.

Pepe LeFrits

Clrnc Anyway looking at City record, I am a bit surprised they haven't won at home against any of the top 5 teams.

All that means is they drew at home to Liverpool and Spurs though. They haven't played us or Villa at home yet

Clrnc

That Reyes goal... so Good

Claudius

Clrnc Reyes goal is lovely. So many great team goals here. Wenger at his peak was mesmerising. It’s why we are all here. My favourite is the Eduardo goal.

Big Willie

Claudius My favourite is the Eduardo goal.

Of the ones shown, yeah. But Thierry's arrow against then from an impossible position with like 100 men between him and the goal will always be the best goal against City for me.

Or even that one where he collected a long hoof up the pitch and finished pretty much in one swift movement though I can't seem to find that goal anywhere.