Why Arsenal vs Man City has come at the right time in the EPL 2022-23 title race

By
Jehan Mucadum
-
       

Why Arsenal vs Man City is a seismic clash in the Premier League 2022-23 title race

Arsenal vs Man City: Arsenal meet Man City in the Premier League for a highly anticipated clash on Wednesday night at the Emirates.

The clash is billed as 1st vs 2nd in the title race this season with both teams being the best in the country so far.

While Arsenal have been a breath of fresh air under Arteta this season and deservedly top of the table, Pep’s men are continuing their brilliant run.

The contest is between the Apprentice and Master as City’s ex-assistant boss, Arteta meet mentor, Guardiola.

We decode why this is a massive clash particularly during this time in the Premier League 2022-23 season.

Arsenal’s stuttering form

Image

Also read: Top 5 goal-scorers in the UEFA Champions League 2022-23 ahead of the knockouts

The Gunners have been winless in their previous 3 matches across competition which includes successive losses to Man City and Everton.

This is the first time Arsenal have been on the backfoot this season and will be hoping to end this stutter.

Saturday’s point vs Brentford at home was far from convincing as the Bees were the better team in the contest.

This has pushed Arteta on the backfoot as they have managed just 1 point from 2 matches scoring 1 goal.

At one point, Arsenal had a commanding lead at the top of the table but with recent results, gap has reduced to a mere three points.

Hence, this clash is massive in the bid for the title as a win for City can displace the Gunners from the top due to their superior goal difference.

Arteta needs to have a perfect plan to stop the City juggernaut from flying.

City has the edge in this clash as they have won 3 of the previous 4 clashes at the Emirates across competitions, which includes 2 back-to-back EPL wins.

Manchester City’s goal-scoring issues

Image

Also read: Goals scored in each of the top 5 European League in 2022-23 so far

Man City maybe 2nd in the league table but have been far more convincing unlike last season.

Haaland’s arrival at the club has been nothing short of breath-taking as he has adjusted to the EPL like a duck to water.

The Norwegian has scored 25 goals in 21 matches so far, being head and shoulders above the rest.

However, in the matches vs Man United and Tottenham; the striker was a spectator as he could not influence play.

It seemed City have changed their style of play a wee bit to accommodate Haaland in the squad.

When the ball isn’t with City, Haaland lacks the defensive aspect and remains a lone figure up top.

How City accommodate their Number 9 against a quality Arsenal back four is to be seen.

Erling was subbed off at HT vs Aston Villa as he picked up a knock with his availability uncertain for now. This is where City needs the services of Alvarez as he can provide an added approach.

Hence, City have as much as an issue as Arsenal for this seismic EPL clash where the winner could have an added advantage in the title race.


       

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR