The Gunners will head to the Etihad guarding a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will not consider playing for a draw at Manchester City (Nick Potts/PA)open image in gallery
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will not consider playing for a draw at Manchester City (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)
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Mikel Arteta insisted it has not crossed his mind for “one second” to play for a draw in Arsenal’s mouthwatering Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Gunners will head to the Etihad guarding a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side, and avoiding defeat could prove pivotal in their quest for a first league title in 22 years.
In a blow to Arsenal, Arteta confirmed on Friday that he will continue to be without Bukyao Saka as he battles an Achilles injury.
Saka’s absence has coincided with an alarming downturn in form for Arsenal, who have won just once across their previous five games.
Their defeat by Bournemouth last weekend has handed the momentum to City, who followed their rivals’ home loss against the Cherries with a thumping 3-0 victory at Chelsea.
But when asked if he could be tempted to play just for a point in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash – which is being billed as the most significant in recent Premier League history – a defiant Arteta said: “I’m not going to spend one second talking about that.
“We prepare every game to win. That’s why we are where we are and we’re going to continue to do the same.
“We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging for the title, and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen.
“That’s a huge privilege, and we can’t wait to play, and we’re going to prepare the game to win it, that’s for sure.”
Guardiola claimed that City’s championship challenge would be over if they lose against Arteta. Asked about Guardiola’s comments, Arteta added: “There are six games to go. It’s a really important one for both teams, and it (a win for Arsenal) will incline the balance a little bit.
“I mean winning at this stage you are a bit closer. If we win the first game in the semi-final of the Champions League we’re going to be closer. That’s why it is clear we want to win the game on Sunday.”
The last meeting between the sides at the Etihad in September 2024 ended in explosive fashion, with Erling Haaland launching a ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel’s head before telling Arteta to “stay humble” as players and staff from both sides clashed at the full-time whistle.
Asked if he ever got to the bottom of Haaland’s comments, Arteta replied: “No.” He added with a smile: “That’s one of the nicest things that you can get told.
“It’s obviously an extremely competitive match between top sides that are looking to win the Premier League. It doesn’t get better than that and that competition for sure is going to be seen on the pitch.”
Noni Madueke limped off in Arsenal’s draw with Sporting Lisbon which sealed the Gunners’ progression to the last four of the Champions League.
However, it is expected he will be fit to start on Sunday. Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori will all be assessed on Saturday.