On Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, the two main obstacles that Liverpool faced during the last title races, Arsenal and Manchester City, will confront each other in an important early-season game of the Premier League. To be first, neither side wants to lose.
Current Form
After the setback at Anfield just before the international break, Arsenal bounced back with a bang, achieving two consecutive victories without conceding a goal. The Gunners were also great in Europe, taking a 2-0 away win against Athletic Club in the Champions League. The home league winning streak of three matches with a total score of 9-0 gave them the wind in their sails and they come to this game with 48 hours of rest more than the visitors.
On the other hand, Man City look as good as ever. Pep’s team did not allow any goals and beat Manchester United and Napoli with ease in their last two matches. Their away performance, however, is not very stable: they were defeated in their last league trip to Brighton, thus the unbeaten run on the road was brought to five games. Moreover, the blues have been in a very bad spot as they have lost five matches out of seven after playing a Champions League match.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal have not lost to City in the last four league meetings between them (W2, D2) and are trying to win twice in a row against the opponent coached by Guardiola for the first time since 2015. The two defeats which Pep’s men suffered were both at the Emirates.
Key Stats
In eight of Arsenal’s last nine matches, they scored after the break.
Absolutely none of the league matches of Arsenal so far this season have been 2 goals or more.
City have allowed a goal against in only one of their last eight away league matches.
Key Players
Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal aims to score in his third consecutive home league match, meanwhile Erling Haaland, just scoring his 50th goal in the Champions League, has scored 10 times in his last five matches.
Prediction
Do not be surprised to see a frugal game, as both teams are defensively strong. But Arsenal Should be able to run away with a 1-0 win.
