Legendary former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon has now shared his score prediction for the Gunners’ clash with Manchester City.
Arsenal face a tough task on the road against Manchester City later today.
Arsenal have an abysmal recent record at the Etihad Stadium, but will be heading into this clash full of confidence given their exemplary form.
The Gunners would give their Premier League title hopes a huge boost with victory in the north west today. What’s more, they know that they have what it takes to beat Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions, as they have already done so twice this season. First, they were victorious on the Community Shield at the very start of the campaign, before securing a 1-0 Premier League victory at the Emirates Stadium via a late Gabriel Martinelli strike.
However, Mikel Arteta will know that beating them on the road represents a much tougher task.
If the north London club are to stand any chance at all of pulling off a positive result then they will need to be at their absolute best in all areas of the pitch. The Arsenal defence has been in a class of its own this season, and their rearguard must remain resolutely solid up against an incredibly effective attacking force.
How important is Manchester City v Arsenal?
There will be some debate around whether or not this is a ‘must win’ game for Arsenal. On paper, it isn’t, as there will still be nine games to go after this and, no matter the outcome today, there will still be little to separate Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool at the top end of the Premier League table.
However, defeat could have a catastrophic impact on the Gunners’ momentum and morale. A win, meanwhile, may well give them the confidence boost they need to kick on and ensure that they are crowned champions.
Lee Dixon, as quoted by Metro, has now given his take on how important this game is. The former full-back, who played 616 times for Arsenal and won four league titles in his career with the club, said, “I still, and always have been, looking at the last six games of the season. That’s the pivotal moment for me – we saw that last year when Arsenal started to feel the pressure. Hopefully they will know what’s coming this time.”
“I don’t think it is a win-at-all-costs game for Arsenal. Going to the Etihad, you don’t lose the game. I think a draw is absolutely something Arsenal should see as a very good result.”
Lee Dixon shares Man City v Arsenal prediction
The ex-right-back has faith that his former club can get a result. He stated, “even if they win, it’s still not over. There’s still so many games and we’re not near the real, pivotal last six games yet. I’m going to go for a scoring draw, 2-2.”
Whilst he wouldn’t admit as much in public before kick-off, Arteta would likely be satisfied with a draw at the Etihad Stadium.