The first game between Arsenal and Manchester City this season ended in a draw.
The Gunners were made to play the entire second half with 10 men after Leandro Trossard was shown a red card for delaying a restart.
Despite that, Arsenal held on till the final minute of the game, but the hosts snatched a point thanks to a late equaliser from John Stones.
Arsenal fans can’t wait for the reverse fixture at the Emirates, but once again, the Gunners are at a big disadvantage going into the game.
The familiar problem that could cost Arsenal next time they play Man City
Arsenal have a lot to complain about regarding what happened before, during and after the game against Manchester City at the Etihad.
However, it’s Pep Guardiola’s men who have been going on and on and on.
The controversy during and after the game is known to everyone at this point – there’s no point talking about that anymore.
One thing that should be talked about is how City had an extra 24 hours of rest having played at home in each of their previous two fixtures.
Arsenal, on the other hand, had to face Tottenham and Atalanta both away from home – the latter was on Thursday night, while City’s game before facing the Gunners was on Wednesday.
Guardiola himself admitted that the scheduling gave Manchester an advantage over Arsenal, and we don’t think that’s fair at all.
What makes it worse is that there’s almost a repeat of the same ahead of the game between the two sides at the Emirates in February.
Arsenal have back-to-back away games against Wolves and Girona before they host City. The champions, on the other hand, have home fixtures and Chelsea and Club Brugge.
How Arsenal could line up against Man City at the Emirates
Every Arsenal player who played a part against Manchester City deserves praise.
The players gave absolutely everything on the pitch against arguably the best side in the world, and in the end, it was Arsenal who were disappointed with the result – not City.
Arteta will want to beat his old employers when they come to the Emirates in February, and we’re sure there will be a few changes in the starting XI.
We expect Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino to be available, and that will make Arsenal considerably stronger than they were at the Etihad on Sunday.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Man City in February: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka.
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