Arsenal: 3 advantages versus Manchester City

2. They are very fit

While the lack of rhythm that may disrupt City’s play is equally as applicable to Arsenal, per reports Mikel Arteta has got his team in excellent shape, which was an issue earlier in the season as he attempted to implement a higher-intensity, more demanding style.

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Per David Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic’s The Handbrake Off podcast, the Gunners have handled the pandemic very well and given their players the opportunity to best prepare for the resumption of the season. Ornstein said:

"“They (Arsenal) were one of the first clubs to my knowledge to get equipment sent out by couriers to player’ homes – in terms of treadmills, Wattbikes and weights to make sure they were in the best possible position to keep their levels at a decent state <…> I’ve heard that Arsenal are in pretty good shape, itching to go, the players all enthusiastic <…> From what I’ve heard, the fitness is good, the enthusiasm is good, the training sessions are going well.”"

The break has also given players the chance to return from injury. Kieran Tierney is now fully fit, Lucas Torreira returned to training after it was thought he would miss the remainder of the season, while the likes of Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have ha the chance to rest and fully recover. Arsenal should be fitter than ever. And they will need to be to have a chance against City.