The biggest game of the Premier League season is upon us as Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the table, but Pep Guardiola’s side, who have a game in hand, still have hope of pipping the leaders to the title.
That is why many people view the game on Sunday as the decider, which is why both teams would love to win it.
Manchester City will go into the game as the favourites, but Guardiola is more than aware of Arsenal’s strengths, especially with three players.
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Pep Guardiola praises Arsenal trio David Raya, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal have been on top of the Premier League table for almost the entirety of the season.
The Gunners have been incredible for large parts, and the fact that they have made it into the semi-finals of the Champions League again shows just how good they are.
Guardiola knows a world-class team when he sees one, which is why he is not taking the game against Arsenal lightly.
The Manchester City boss showered praise on the Gunners and namechecked three players in particular – David Raya, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.
Guardiola said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “They are so strong in all departments. The duels, the physicality… If you allow them to make a good process and you are not aggressive or compact, they make a really, really good build-up.
“Raya is extraordinary with his long balls. Second balls, Havertz and Gyokeres, they are really, really good going to the second balls.
“When they defend deep, their transition is good, it’s one of the best or the best. In the high pressing, they allow you to make one or two passes, and then they convert to man-marking. They are so aggressive in the frontal balls. Set-pieces, it’s not necessary to talk more about that.
“That’s why they are who they are. They are in the semi-finals of the Champions League – how difficult is that – and in the Premier League, all season they have been leaders.”
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David Raya could be key to Arsenal beating Manchester City
Raya has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season.
The Spaniard has produced a number of outstanding saves over the last eight months, and he is one of the biggest reasons why the Gunners are where they are.
Raya may have to pull off a few big saves against Manchester City, but his bigger job will be to help his side break Manchester City’s press.
Kepa Arrizabalaga looked clueless in the Carabao Cup final, which is why Guardiola’s men totally controlled the game in the second half.
Things could be very different on Sunday because Raya is a much better passer, has the courage to take risks and has the ability to bypass the press to set Arsenal through.
That could hand the game to Arsenal on Sunday.
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