Manchester City seemingly have a major advantage over Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s massive match
Manchester City seemingly have a major advantage over Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s massive match Up next for Manchester City is a huge top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side has a week to prepare for the match, while Arsenal have a second-leg Champions League quarter-final tie against Sporting CP on Wednesday night on the horizon. That could be perceived as an advantage for City heading into Sunday’s match.
However, that isn’t where City seem to have a clear advantage over Arsenal. It does seem that Pep Guardiola’s side is clicking into gear at the right time, and Mikel Arteta’s side is struggling with the weight of the world on their shoulders as the Premier League title race heats up. That stood out last weekend, and may be an important element in Sunday’s huge match at the Etihad.
The contrast in form between Manchester City and Arsenal does stand out. Last weekend did feel like a big weekend in the Premier League title race. Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth , and their performance did give the impression that they are a team struggling with the weight of the world on their back.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished second in the Premier League over the last three seasons, and they do give the impression that they are a team that doesn’t know how to close the deal in a Premier League title race. Their second half display against Bournemouth was a nervy one. Ultimately they lacked the quality in the final third, and in their overall play to break open Bournemouth.
Arsenal’s performance is in direct contrast to Manchester City’s against Chelsea. Manchester City, like Arsenal against Bournemouth, entered halftime of their match against Chelsea level at halftime. Unlike Mikel Arteta’s side, City went up a gear and blew Chelsea away in the second half at Stamford Bridge.