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.
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.