Mikel Arteta has vowed Arsenal will play to win in Sunday’s Premier League title showdown at Manchester City.
The Gunners journey to Etihad Stadium holding a six-point lead over City — who’ve a recreation in hand — as they search their first league crown in 22 years.
Arsenal haven’t gained at City since January 2015 and a draw would make sure the title race stays solely of their fingers with 5 video games to play.
However, Arteta mentioned: “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 best to be on this place, to be difficult and with the likelihood to win and the chance to win on Sunday, arguably in opposition to the perfect group and the perfect supervisor that this league has ever seen.
“That’s a huge privilege, and we can’t wait to play the game, and we’re going to prepare the game to win it, that’s for sure, and we see that as a big opportunity for us.”
Guardiola admitted that if City lose on Sunday, the title race is “over” however when requested if he noticed the sport in these phrases, Arteta mentioned: “I don’t know, there are six games to go. It’s a really important one for both teams, and it will [influence] the balance a little bit, but winning a game in the Premier League is so tough for everybody, so after this one, they will still have some very difficult matches for all of us, and we’ll have to wait and continue whatever happens.
“Winning at this stage you’re a bit nearer. If we win the primary recreation within the semifinal of the Champions League we will be nearer. That’s for certain and that is why we wish to win the sport on Sunday. That’s clear.”
Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka will miss the sport resulting from an Achilles damage whereas he’s “hopeful” Noni Madueke will get well from a knee drawback. Jurriën Timber, Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are persevering with to be assessed.
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The last time Arsenal played at City, in September 2024, City equalised in stoppage-time against ten-man Arsenal to earn a 2-2 draw before Erling Haaland advised Arteta to “keep humble” as words were exchanged between the teams at the final whistle.
Arteta insisted he has not spoken to Haaland or City boss Pep Guardiola about the incident but said: “Don’t fear. The mics are coming in soccer I do not know when. That’s one of many nicest issues that you could get advised.
“It’s obviously an extremely competitive match against 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.”
