Arsenal are preparing to face Manchester City in a game that many are calling the Premier League title decider.
The Gunners are currently six points clear at the top, while Manchester City have a game in hand. That makes the clash at the Etihad absolutely crucial, especially with just a handful of games left in the season.
Arsenal’s recent domestic form has not been great, but they are still in control of their own destiny. A win would almost certainly guarantee them the title, but a draw could be good enough too.
However, Mikel Arteta has promised not to aim for the latter or even think of parking the bus.
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Mikel Arteta promises Arsenal will go for the win vs Man City and not park the bus
A draw would be a much better result for Arsenal than it would be for Manchester City.
Arteta was asked directly if he would take a draw ahead of the game, and his response could not have been clearer.
The Arsenal manager made it known to everyone that his team are not going to the Etihad to settle.
He said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “No, we want to win the game. We are there to win the game. We haven’t talked about that, guys. We want to win the game. We are preparing to win the game.
“No different to any stadium we’ve been to over the last five years. No change in that.”
In the same press conference, Arteta was also asked whether the Premier League leaders would consider parking the bus to grind out a result. He shut that down as well.
“We’re not going to propose a game like this because we never do that,” Arteta said.
“Sometimes, the opponent is that good, they force you to be there. In City’s case, you’re going to have moments where you’re going to have to be playing deep in your box for periods of time.
“That’s the reality.”
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Arteta deserves a lot of credit for this approach because it shows belief in his team. Arsenal are more than capable of going to the Etihad and getting a win if they play at their best.
However, game management will be just as important as ambition in a match of this magnitude. There are moments where being pragmatic can make all the difference.
If the game is level heading into the final 15 minutes, Arsenal may need to rethink their approach. Taking unnecessary risks at that stage could be costly.
A draw would still be a strong result as it keeps them six points clear with only five games remaining. That would maintain their advantage and keep the pressure on City.
So, if things get difficult and there’s not a lot of time left in the game, we’re sure no sensible Arsenal fan will hold it against Arteta if he chooses to settle for a point.
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