Man City Square
Fansided

5 Q&A’s with Arsenal reporter before Manchester City match

By Larry Henry

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - AUGUST 07: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City competes for the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly between Arsenal and Manchester City at Ullevi on August 7, 2016 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - AUGUST 07: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City competes for the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly between Arsenal and Manchester City at Ullevi on August 7, 2016 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City makes a break through the Arsenal defence to score his side’s second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on May 8, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City makes a break through the Arsenal defence to score his side’s second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on May 8, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /


Prior to Sunday’s EPL showdown at the Etihad Stadium with Arsenal, we sat down with “Pain in the Arsenal” reporter Andrew Dowdeswell to get some answers on our upcoming competition.  

To get an idea on how the current match-up is viewed from the other side, we sat down with Andrew and asked five questions about Arsenal’s season and how they believe the EPL match this weekend will go.

More from Game preview

1.) LH- Arsenal really have played well this season only losing twice in the league, do you think this team can keep it going until May? 

 

AD- The issue for Arsenal has always been injuries. Keep your star players fit and success will come. Suffer a few key losses, and struggles are the name of the game. Arsene Wenger has assembled a formidable squad, but if Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil or Laurent Koscielny are absent for any prolonged period of time, then it is difficult to see them still at the top in May. With a little bit of luck, though, and this could finally be the year the 12-year title drought ends.

 

2.) LH- Alexis Sanchez is a key player for the Gunners and needs to be kept long-term. When do you think they sign him?

 

AD- I think when might be a tad ambitious. It’s more like if they sign him. Reports have flown around regarding a possible exit to China, a move to Juventus and some rather eye-watering wage demands. Ultimately, it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors without much clarity right now. If they do sign him, it will be before or during the summer window and it will be for some significant money. If not, then he will likely be sold at the end of the year in a cut-price deal, similar to Robin Van Persie in 2012.

3.) LH- Attacking wise, Arsenal have many options up front and out wide. Besides Sanchez and Ozil, who do you think has been the best so far?

 

AD- You are right to highlight Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. By the numbers, the next most dangerous man would be Theo Walcott. Seven league goals and two assists in 15 games is very productive and with Hector Bellerin returning from injury, the right flank for the Gunners will be an area in which they can cause Manchester City problems, especially with such electric pace on the counter.

Next: Manchester City Injury Update: Gundogan & Kompany

 

4.) LH- Do you see any issues with the team right now besides injuries that could harm their chances of fighting for the EPL title? 

 

AD- The main issue comes in between the ears. Arsenal likely have the most talented squad they have had since the Invincibles, as strong as any in the league this year. However, the winning mentality is not yet there. Against Everton they let three points slip thanks to naivety and complacency and while they have been able to grind out victories this year, the hanging doubt of history is a shadow that is rather foreboding.

5.) LH- What is your result for Sunday’s match at the Etihad?

AD- I see Manchester City dominating possession and Arsenal looking to play on the break through the likes of Sanchez and Walcott. If Wenger tries to match City and utilise an aggressive game plan, Pep Guardiola’s side will lay down the law and win comfortably. However, play a little deeper and utilise the pace on the counter and Arsenal could have some joy. City will have the better of the game but they won’t have the better of the points. 1-1.