Phil Foden has had a lot to say about Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s clash between the Gunners and Manchester City at the Emirates.
City travel to North London on the back of two impressive results, having demolished Manchester United and eased past Napoli this week.
However, the same can be said of Mikel Arteta’s team, as Arsenal beat Athletic Club on Tuesday, days after cruising past Nottingham Forest.
Sunday’s game could have significant ramifications on the Premier League title race, with defeat for either side giving them a mountain to climb regarding the gap with leaders Liverpool.
Phil Foden shares his thoughts on Arsenal before Sunday’s clash
Foden scored for City in the Manchester Derby and will be raring to go against Arsenal on Sunday.
The attacking midfielder appears to have rediscovered some form in time for the trip to North London, although the Gunners will be confident in their ability to stifle Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arteta’s outfit have yet to concede a goal from open play this season, and although Erling Haaland, Foden and Jeremy Doku have hit form, they have a history of nullifying these players.
Arsenal beat City 5-1 in this fixture last season, and they’ll be hoping to replicate this performance and result this time around.
Speaking on CBS Golazo after the Citizens’ victory over Napoli, Foden praised Arsenal’s defensive structure ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
“Similar to tonight [vs Napoli], they’re so hard to break down, probably the best in their structure at the moment,” he said.
“So it’s going to be really difficult to break them down. But hopefully we can keep patient like today, pick our moments at the right times, and hurt them.”
Arsenal don’t have to worry about Phil Foden
While Foden’s performances this week have been impressive, he’s the profile of player Arsenal will have no problem suppressing.
The Gunners are capable of dealing with slight, technical players, using their physicality to make these types of operators completely ineffective.
Foden has shrunk in recent games against Arsenal, struggling to get involved and influence proceedings. He’s a player Arteta won’t be worried about.
However, Haaland’s exceptional form is a problem. The Norwegian tore United apart last week and has six goals in five games to start the season.
His outstanding movement, pace and physicality could cause William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães problems across 90 minutes, even if the duo have dealt with him relatively well in the past.
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