Michael Brown believes that one Arsenal player is going to have a really special game if the Gunners are going to get anything from the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
The Premier League season returns with a bang in the coming days. The final international break of the season is behind us. And with that, the title race can get going again.
And what a start we have.
Arsenal currently lead the way on goal difference. Manchester City find themselves one point back of the top two after drawing with Liverpool last time out.
Arsenal need one player to have really special game against Manchester City
The Gunners travel to Eastlands this Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s side do not have an amazing record against the Cityzens. And their defeat at the same ground last season felt like a really key moment in the title race.
But Arsenal have improved again this year. And perhaps the biggest difference from last season comes in the middle of the park where the Gunners have signed Declan Rice.
Rice has been exceptional since his club-record move. He is so important to the balance of the side, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
And with that, Michael Brown was asked by BBC Sport whether Rice is more important to Arsenal than Rodri is to Manchester City.
And he suggested that the Gunners’ hopes may hinge on how Rice fares.
“I think in this particular game, away from home, I think Declan Rice is going to be key to taking Arsenal to the next level. I feel like they’re still a couple of players short to go and actually challenge a Manchester City when they’re at their best and go toe to toe. Obviously, consistency throughout the season, City have let leads slip a few times, which has allowed Arsenal to be in contention. That’s for certain,” he said.
“But I feel he has been the difference. We talk about the two centre-backs for Arsenal, obviously having that understanding with Declan Rice in front.
“Away from home, Declan Rice, on this one, is going to have to have a really special game.”
Big moment in the title race
Of course, nothing will be decided on Sunday. But Manchester City have a tendency to string together an amazing run of wins in the business end of the campaign.
Arsenal meanwhile, have the chance to go four points clear of Pep Guardiola’s men. And psychologically, it could be a game-changer for the Gunners to beat City on their own ground.
With Rice now in their side, there is no need for Arsenal to worry about any previous scars from past meetings.
The post 'He has been the difference': Pundit says Arsenal need 25-year-old to have 'really special' game vs Man City appeared first on TBR Football.
