The Next Invincibles? Man City Are Certainly Not! – Here’s How Wenger’s Arsenal Can Beat Pep Guardiola’s City
Arsene Wenger will have a real test this weekend when the Gunners take on Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday in what should be an exciting contest. Pep Guardiola’s side have been on a rampage this season, winning 9 of their 10 Premier League games and drawing one.
Manchester City have already been adjudged as the favourites for the Premier League title and possibly even the Champions League. On the other hand, Arsenal look like they could struggle for Champions League qualification once again as they sit at 5th place in the table, 9 behind City.
However, the Gunners have found momentum once again, having won 4 games in a row since their defeat to Watford. But do they stand a chance of beating the Sky Blues on Sunday? Yes. Let’s take a look at three things Arsenal need to do to get all three points at the Etihad.
Start Olivier Giroud
Alexandre Lacazette has had enough chances to prove his worth in the first team but the Frenchman hasn’t exactly offered the goals Arsenal were expecting from him. The 26-year-old has just 5 goals in 10 games this season and hasn’t performed against the big sides in the League.
Giroud, on the other hand, has the experience of playing against City and could be much more effective in the No.9 role. He has a good presence in the box and would be effective in set-piece situations.
Don’t Even Think Of Sitting Back And Hitting On The Break
If there is any team in the Premier League who could go the Etihad and win, it has to be Arsenal. Their flamboyant style of play helps them open up the game allowing them to break the City defence. Arsene Wenger cannot afford to sit back against this City side as the Citizens have way too much quality in their attack to be kept at bay. Also, Arsenal do not really have the kind of defenders who can keep up with the pace of the City attack.
The Gunners shouldn’t wait to nick something on the break as City have an attack that will eventually find a way back in by the end of 90 minutes.
Gegenpressing
Let’s face it, this method is definitely effective against an attack-minded side and we saw glimpses of it work out in the Liverpool vs City game. The Reds were unfortunate to get a red card early in the game because of which they could not fully exploit their press. But before Sadio Mane was sent off, Liverpool exploited City’s three-man backline consistently despite being a goal down. Wenger must approach the game in a similar way if he wants a result on Sunday.