As Arsenal prepare to host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday, the fixture is touted as one of the most tantalising encounters of the Premier League season thus far. The Gunners have already navigated fixtures against formidable opponents such as Manchester United, Leeds United, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest, amassing nine points from a possible twelve. Their sole defeat was at Anfield, needing a moment of brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai to secure Liverpool’s win. Consequently, Mikel Arteta’s side sit proudly in second position, edging out Tottenham and Bournemouth on goal difference.
Conversely, Manchester City find themselves in the unusual predicament of eighth place. Pep Guardiola’s men have experienced a mixed start, with comprehensive victories tempered by uncharacteristic losses to Tottenham and Brighton. Their recent triumph over Manchester United suggests a return to form, yet their inconsistency raises questions.
One aspect that has flown under the radar is the scheduling differential between the two sides preceding this pivotal clash. Both teams participated in midweek Champions League fixtures; however, Arsenal’s Tuesday encounter with Athletic Club in Bilbao meant their return to London was swift. This afforded Arteta’s squad the opportunity for an official team photocall on Wednesday and a resumption of normal training by Thursday. In contrast, City’s Thursday fixture grants them less recovery time ahead of Sunday’s game.
This slight advantage in preparation may prove crucial as Arsenal aim to exploit any marginal edge over Guardiola’s charges in their quest for supremacy in this tightly contested Premier League campaign.