Arsenal vs Man City: The biggest game of the Emirates era

It’s been years since Arsenal were involved in a title race, particularly one in which they have arguably been the best side in the Premier League. On the other hand, Manchester City have been involved in plenty, and are just three points behind. Will Arsenal be able to handle the pressure?

Everyone feels like it is inevitable that Manchester City will go on that winning streak sooner or later as usual, but this season isn’t that usual story. Mikel Arteta has been able to somehow motivate his young side to be top of the tree in February, ahead of his old master, Pep Guardiola.

However, even though the Sky Blues haven’t appeared to be their former selves this season, they’re always there. Only a mere three points behind Arsenal, they face off in an epic encounter on Wednesday at the Emirates.

Arsenal haven’t beaten City in a while… time for a change?

In recent times, the picture isn’t pretty for Arsenal whenever these two teams face off. The Sky Blues have always enjoyed the long trip down to the red side of London, as they have won each of their last six away matches against Arsenal across all competitions. Even better for Guardiola, he’s yet to lose at the Emirates since his arrival in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, City’s away form this season has left a little to be desired, with Guardiola’s side winning only six of their 14 games on the road in all competitions. This could be the chance for Arsenal to finally turn things around on the biggest of stages.

A win puts them six points ahead, with a game in hand, but a loss puts City top of the table. Pressure.

Manchester City gaining momentum is trouble for the Gunners

Knocking them out of the FA Cup may have proven to be a momentum shifter. Arsenal were on a steady unbeaten run before that, and even though the game was an even affair, the Gunners’ seemingly unwavering momentum was halted. They’ve since been beaten at Goodison Park and were held at home to Brentford.

Manchester City’s star man up-front, Erling Haaland, claimed City are “hunting” Arsenal down, and that’s not what Arsenal want to see behind their shoulder. A resounding 3-1 victory against Aston Villa settled tempers before the game for City as they produced a first-half performance straight out of Guardiola’s vintage.

The signs are ominous for Wednesday’s hosts.

Arteta vs Pep: Apprentice vs Master

This is, without doubt, the biggest encounter Arsenal have had since moving to the Emirates. The feeling across the fanbase after Arteta’s first interview was mostly one of promise and potential. He’s showing exactly why Guardiola kept him as his assistant throughout the years and always gave him high praise. In a previous presser, he mentioned that whenever Arsenal and City faced off while Arteta was still assistant, he never celebrated. Well, I’m sure there will be a lot of celebrating if his team can win this huge game. A game that could foreshadow the trajectory of these two teams for the rest of the season.

Pep also said: “So far they are the best team in the Premier League. We felt it a couple of weeks ago. The commitment, they are sharp. It will be a big, big battle.” A battle where Arteta needs his soldiers to be focused, calm and composed. A battle that could define a historic Arsenal campaign.