Last time we played City at Emirates, we lost 1-3. Man City took the lead with a Kevin De Bruyne strike, Saka labelled the score before half time but two goals from Grealish and Haaland made sure they took all three points from their competition. Statistically, we would have won the league even after the two losses against them but hey, if you want to dethrone a kingdom, you must beat them and instil that fear about the new rulers. I want us to win against the best assembled playing XI in history, with the best manager in the world. I want us to beat them and let them know the boys are in town.
Today is the day!
Right-o, there are some good news. Bukayo Saka is magically fit again and Thomas Partey is expected to be in the squad too. We are playing at home and we have been unbeaten in the league as of today. Although, it was a penalty shootout but we did beat City in the Community Shield couple of months ago and the players would have that in mind.
Mikel disagree that today’s game is a season-defining game for us. I feel the other way. A win today gives that extra boost among the boys that they can win against anyone. It’s basically a 6 pointer and a win today moves us 2 points ahead of City. Every point will add up eventually towards the end of the season and when the hangover subsides for Tottenham and Liverpool, the Arsenal v Man City fight will be decided by these points.
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In the team news, everyone is available except Martinelli and Timber. News around Saka and Partey is that they will assessed before the game and will most likely make it. I would love to see a Partey midfield paired with either Rice or Vieira and a front 3 of Saka, Jesus and Trossard. I’m in a such a conundrum to play Saka that we might risk him again if he plays against City but the importance of the game is such that we need all the help we can. I’m gonna flip-flop on this till the teamsheet is out.
Pep Guardiola’s side is going to be ruthless. They are going to play without Stones and Rodri most likely but that doesn’t mean beating them is going to be any easier. Our defence should be prepared to nullify Haaland attack, and it’s a relief that KDB is not playing. They are a very good side even at their weakest. Alvarez, Silva, Haaland can win games on their individual brilliance.
It remains to be seen if Arteta goes on a attack like he did last season, or play a dull game at the back and wait for the moment of a counter. I don’t want to see Havertz starting today. I’m sorry but I have seen enough and there is no real output that Vieira or even ESR in that position can’t provide.
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We have lost our last 12 league games against City, have scored only 5 while conceded 33. It needs to change and today’s the day. KDB, Rodri, Stones absence is a positive for us and I believe are going to pick a 2-1 win over our rivals.
Keeping it a short for today, I will see you during the game.
p.s.- there would be some changes in the layout of London is Red in coming days. The ad revenues are f*ck-all for a sports blog and I’m just trying to optimize it a bit. If you don’t like anything, give me a shout and I will fix that.
Comment section testing from smartphone
Nice piece Ambarish.
My guess is Arteta’s going to push Partey, Saka and possibly Martinelli back even if they’re not fully fit.
I’ll be amazed if we come out of today not losing at least one of them for a couple of months.
Marc
I guess the same. Mikel will see the international break and risk all of them.
If we win, and no one gets injured, I can live with that.
Ambarish
I can’t see City losing back to back PL matches – when as the last time it happened?
There’s always a first time. :))
Pep has his own track record of fucking things up. Let’s see who does more fuck ups today.
Not surprisingly Brighton are 1 up by an amazing finish by another production line at 21 from Ivory.
How long has Dezerbi been at Brighton to compare Arteta with?
Why can’t we play as good as Brighton with our £billion squad?
Poster’s curse as Liverpool latch onto a Brighton keeper’s mistake and get penalty and a well carved out goal; both by Sala.
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Brighton are playing very much like a top 4 side with some really nice football.
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Good post, Ambarish, I love how you manage to remain above cynicism and maintaining a strong air of optimism.
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We were like that at your age. 🙂
Chief pointer Jorginho starting in midfield. Galaxy brain full shed mode.
Tony-you know I’m a big time DeZerbi fan, but he will be hard-pressed to duplicate last season, considering their much busier schedule and the players he’s lost…the very fact that they continue to play in the manner they do is a credit to his managerial excellence…if he doesn’t land a prime time gig in the PL, he will almost assuredly secure a much coveted top job abroad…I would imagine we could be actually challenging things had he been hired on and given the same financial backing as our current MIT
Shit*
no Saka, so it’s a front 3 of Tross, Jesus and Eddie, which is hardly inspiring…with no width, to speak of, up top, it could mean a much narrower affair, and even though they will be without Rodri, I’m not sure Jorginho and Rice in the midfield can properly unlock this particular opposition…Partey has been available since mid-week, so I find it rather confounding that he’s not in the starting 11 instead of Jorginho…hopefully with 2 DMs on the pitch, Zinchenko will stay wide and provide some much-needed protection and service for Tross on the left…not sure this starting group can effectively deploy a high press against City, which could mean a whole lot of inviting and absorbing pressure…for the love of God, I hope I’m wrong
some good football on display this morning, let’s hope that trend continues
hardly a convincing start
it’s always interesting to see how mnay mulligans you’re afforded whenever you’re firmly on MA’s favoured list
many
in my estimation this is the weakest City side MA has faced during his tenure, so we had better get a win or it might be a long time coming
just imagine paying upwards of 70M for a player who can’t get in the starting lineup ahead of Jorginho or Tross, with Saka out…maybe even MA is starting to recognize his window missteps
having Eddie on the pitch sometimes is like playing against 12…keep in mind, he’s leading the line against City, yet he’s scored only twice in 24 appearances
minus the stakes, this has been a rather dull affair thus far…we’re lucky not to be down by at least a goal and their lucky to still have 11 on the pitch
glad to see Marts back in the fold…not so glad to see Eddie’s pedestrian first touches though
Martinelli just showed how poor is Gabriel Jesus killer Instinct. Guy ducked a bit ,instead of going head up for the header and it would have been a goal
Marts has energized the troops…clearly shows that Tross will never be a suitable Marts cover piece
Declan Rice to Martinelli. Two good players making things happen by themselves.
it’s awfully quiet on here today, which is rather surprising considering
Arteta is an absolute distraction on the touchline.
PS – Micheal Oliver balancing things.
By the way Lewis from City is Martinelli level dynamite
Yep Lewis kid is off. Too short in the forward position. Also still avkid without Saka type maturity yet
Kai Sweetheart Havertz coming on. Arteta couldn’t hold his desire any longer 😂
what a weird 3-pack of subs…I can only assume the human pylon Zinchenko for Tomi and likely Partey for Jorginho, but who Havertz comes in for should be intriguing
none of them suggest that we’re hunting for a winner
looks like Jesus is staying out wide, so crosses into Kai are clearly in the offing
Odegard making himself appear relevant by chasing the ball like a fox terrier
thank goodness Havertz didn’t try a shot with his left…Marts deserved some good fortune for his efforts
Coty defence was caught in a casual moment. But a power packed strike by Martinelli.
We have ours tails up and City look hit with a wet sock.
We are winning this.
Pep’s wife shirt choice was not good enough today
certainly not through a plan of any consequence, but I’ll gladly take the 3 points everyday of the week…this is all about the psychological hurdle, so an ugly win is a welcome result and much-appreciated
I’ll have to miss live games more often! Sounds like an ugly win which is OK providing they turn a corner and start seriously upping their form. Soooo long since we last beat these wankers.
PS – Very good to hear from you Ambarish. 😊
Soooo long since we beat these wankers… In the league I mean.
Arsenal and Spuds joint top of the table. Whatever next?
Sorry for being the absent one. I was in a place that streams football but was having no network coverage. Weird if they it intentionally.
Marti is a class act. A big game player, he is our own Ronaldo.
We have missed Partey. That ball from him which led to our goal was inch perfect and even though I love Rice, it was a specific Partey thing. Tomi is a machine.
Jesus on the right worked, we have the much needed cover for Saka now. CF remains a pressing position.
Did you see Haaland colliding with Saliba and fall down like a pack of cards? Yes, we have a monster at the back. Gabriel did the same with Foden. 2 monsters.
What a great way to start Monday. Top of the league, beaten both Manchester clubs in the process and Saka, Saliba getting 2 weeks rest. Perfect way to go into international break.
And fuck Spuds.