Arsenal Granted Major Lifeline Ahead of Man City Showdown

Now, it’s wrong to wish ill on anyone.

We shouldn’t hope that anyone be injured, but if they’re already injured, then we’re in the clear, right? Fortunately for Arsenal, it appears as if lady luck as struck, with Kevin De Bruyne ruled out of Saturday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Phew.

Mikel Arteta has made it one of his major objectives that it be Arsenal who control matches and in charge of their own destiny. Although, even for him, he will breathe a sigh of relief that such an influential player – arguably the best midfielder in the world – won’t feature against his side.

The beating heart of all the brilliance Manchester City produce, his absence will leave a gaping hole in an already star-studded team. An irreplaceable hole, at that.

Domination in the centre of the park, dictation of play or eye of the needle passes will be less forthcoming with the Belgian unavailable, although there is some good news for the Citizens with the return of Sergio Aguero.

Yet to play a competitive match since requiring knee surgery back in June, while he has still match sharpness to regain, he has nevertheless been deemed capable of either starting or featuring from the bench. As Arsenal fans know all too well, he loves a goal or two when the sides meet.

So what can we expect from the City midfield? They’re hamstrung, no doubt, but there is still a wealth of quality within their ranks to pose Arsenal numerous problems. A midfield of Rodri at the base, perhaps alongside Ilkay Gundogan, looks set to be two thirds of the trio, with either Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva alo coming in.

Silva is capable of playing out wide, as is Foden, so we can expect some fluidity in their system.

But we can’t mask over the generous hand Arsenal have been drawn. Trying to remember the last time the Gunners took on City and weren’t left to sit in awe of De Bruyne’s magnificence is impossible. Every time this fixture comes along, he runs the show.

Thus it’s now a chance for Arsenal to capitalise in midfield. These meetings are normally won and lost in this area of the pitch, so a degree of control must be wrestled from the hosts following the news.

Easier said than done, yes. However, these opportunities don’t come along all too often.