Arsenal legend Paul Merson thinks Mikel Arteta’s side can seal a ‘decisive’ advantage over Manchester City in the 2023/24 Premier League title race with a win this Sunday.
A crucial meeting in the tussle for top-flight honours awaits the Gunners as they head to the Citizens this weekend. Arsenal travel to Manchester City atop the Premier League table after 28 games. But they only edge Liverpool on goal difference and the Citizens by a single point.
Manchester City have also not lost at home to Arsenal in a league match since January 2015. Yet Arteta hits the road with the top-flight’s most lethal offence and the most frugal defence at his disposal. Arsenal lead the charts this season with 70 goals to just 24 conceded so far.
Arsenal head to Manchester City with the Premier League’s best offence and defence
Hale End hero Bukayo Saka has offered 13 of Arsenal’s goals in 27 games to lead the scoring charts in north London. The 22-year-old has also offered the Gunners’ most assists this term with eight. But Saka is also one of Arsenal’s injury concerns ahead of facing Manchester City.
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The forward withdrew from England’s March internationals with a minor muscle issue. Saka has so far not missed any of Arsenal’s games with the injury. His involvement may be key on Sunday after scoring eight goals and creating a further two over his last nine league outings.
Arteta also faces potentially being without Gabriel Magalhaes due to an inflamed Achilles at Manchester City. The 26-year-old withdrew from playing for Brazil this month to work on his recovery. He has played in 26 of Arsenal’s 28 games yet and has helped to 10 clean sheets.
Paul Merson thinks goal difference could be ‘decisive’ in the Premier League title race
Highbury hero Merson claims Arsenal’s incredible goal difference this term can give Arteta’s team a ‘decisive’ advantage over Manchester City in the Premier League title race if they also win on Sunday. They have a goal difference of +46 to the Citizens’ +35 and Liverpool’s +39.
“The goal difference between the two sides is massive right now,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “If Arsenal win this game, they go four points clear of City.
“And with that goal difference, it could prove to be decisive in the title race. Both teams are evenly matched at the moment, however, and we could see a [1-1] draw in this match.”