Arsenal have been criticized for their approach in past meetings with Manchester City, but know that a win this weekend will all but seal their first domestic title in more than 20 years.
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal want to beat Manchester City this weekend (Image: YouTube)
Mikel Arteta has vowed that Arsenal will do everything they can to win the title showdown with Manchester City.
The Spaniard claimed Arsenal would not consider parking their bus at Etihad Airport even if a draw would ensure they remain in the title race. “We want to win the game. We are here to win the game. We are not talking about it (a draw). We need to win the game. We need to win the game,” Arteta said.
“And we’re preparing to win games. It’s no different than any stadium we’ve been to in the last five years. There’s no change there.”
Two years ago, the Gunners held a goalless draw at the Etihad as they were both chasing the title, but City midfielder Rodri later claimed that was the moment he knew Arsenal’s “mentality” meant they could become champions.
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But Arteta insisted they had no intention of closing up shop and could have earned a good point had they won their remaining games.
This time, he revealed that he is aiming for a cervical spine and a chance to regain his nine-point lead at the top. Arteta added: “I don’t know. We have to win the next game and score some good points. Otherwise we should have done better against City, where we had a chance.”
The Gunners and Manchester City face off again on Sunday (Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK/Shutterstock)
“We would not propose a game like this, because we would never do that. Sometimes the opposition is so good that you are forced to stay there, and in the case of City there will be moments where you do the same thing deep in the box for a period of time. That is the reality.”
Arteta expects Martin Odegaard to feature and hasn’t ruled out Julian Timber, but he insists he won’t be afraid to introduce 16-year-old Max Domann in a potential title-clincher, with Bukayo Saka set to be sidelined.
“I’m sure he’s ready. If you throw him in any situation, this kid knows what he’s going to bring and he’s shown that this season and every game we’ve used him in,” Arteta said.
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