Arsenal
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Sol Campbell has predicted that Arsenal will claim a narrow victory when they face Manchester City in Sunday’s high-profile Premier League clash.
Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a stuttering start to the season, suffering consecutive defeats to Brighton and Tottenham, raising questions about their latest rebuild. However, City responded in emphatic fashion last weekend, dismantling Manchester United in the derby with an Erling Haaland-inspired performance.
Guardiola will be eager to avenge last season’s humbling 5-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium and reignite City’s title push, while Arsenal approach the fixture in buoyant form after a busy summer of recruitment.
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New signings Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze have all made encouraging early impressions, helping Mikel Arteta’s side to four wins from their opening five matches. That momentum, according to former Gunners captain Campbell, could prove decisive.
Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrates for Arsenal against Manchester City
Arsenal defeated Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates last season [Image credit: Getty Images]
Speaking to Paddy Power, Campbell said: “I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a 2-1 Arsenal win. I think they’ve got the bit between the teeth. Hopefully they’ve learned from Liverpool and just find that balance between defence and that gamble in attack. You need to trust the defence a little bit. You can’t have everyone back. You need the risk and reward. You need to find that balance.”
Arsenal’s defensive options are set to be boosted by the return of William Saliba, though Arteta faces a selection dilemma following the impressive displays of summer arrival Cristhian Mosquera, who has excelled in the Frenchman’s absence.
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Whoever starts will be tasked with stopping Haaland, who has begun the season in typically prolific fashion. Campbell, himself a former central defender, stressed the importance of cutting off the Norwegian striker’s supply lines.
“It’s all about making sure you reduce the space and cover the areas behind. If you’ve got him running and the ball slipped down the sides, you don’t really want that. You want to cut him off. Even if you don’t cut it off at source, cut the run and the pass,” he explained.
“Keep him in front of you, control the zones he likes to attack. Don’t try to be too clever with the offside trap. If he makes a run, go with the run. As soon as you switch off and leave space behind, you’re in trouble.”
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