Previous losses to Man City may have ‘shaped’ Arsenal transfer plans over one ‘huge’ star

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Arsenal are set to take on Manchester City, and they will be attempting to win their first game at the Etihad Stadium since 2015.

The Gunners have lost every single one of their trips to face City since Pep Guardiola arrived in the Premier League, and some of these defeats have been by heavy scorelines.

Even when Arsenal were challenging for the Premier League title last season, they were battered 4-1 at the Etihad, and were completely overrun in midfield and defence.

Mikel Arteta’s side will now go to face City full of confidence, and extra physicality in the team brought by summer signing Declan Rice.

Declan Rice has given Arsenal more physicality and confidence ahead of Man City clash

Rice has been outstanding since his arrival from West Ham, and has helped Arsenal in both defence and attack.

Speaking on the Arsenal Beat Podcast, journalist Simon Collings has now highlighted how Arsenal’s previous defeats to Man City, which saw them overpowered in the middle, may have further inspired Arteta to bring the England star to the Emirates.

“Rice has been huge for Arsenal in pretty much every big game,” he stated.

“I can’t remember many where he hasn’t put in a good performance, and when we’re talking about him and Rodri, both of them are absolutely huge for their two teams.

“I think in the past, in these games City have really bullied Arsenal in midfield, and it probably shaped Arsenal’s transfer pants to an extent.

“Rice has brought that physicality, brought that energy, that athleticism, he seems to be absolutely relishing the big games, and if he plays in that advanced role and is able to get at Rodri in the heart of the pitch, I think he’ll be absolutely huge.”

How Declan Rice has transformed Arsenal in big games

Arsenal have the best record against the top six this season, and have beaten both Liverpool and Man City at the Emirates, with Rice at the heart of both wins.

Last season’s thrashing at the Etihad saw Thomas Partey, who looked to be struggling with an injury, overrun by Kevin de Bruyne for the first goal, and Arsenal were physically outmatched by the hosts.

Rice has added an extra physical edge to the Gunners, helping win the ball back high up the pitch, whilst proving effective in defending transitions.

He has been outstanding in every big game this season, and if Arsenal do pull off a first win at City since 2015, he will likely have been at the heart of it.