Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola have both agreed that Wednesday night’s huge fixture will not decide who wins the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners hold a five-point lead over the reigning champions and could take a huge step towards their first title since 2004 with a win at the Etihad Stadium.
City are in scintillating form – having won 11 of their last 12 fixtures in all competitions – and are chasing down a fifth Premier League title in six years. Guardiola’s side will have two games in hand on Arsenal heading into the showdown on Wednesday evening after progressing to the FA Cup final and Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta admitted Granit Xhaka is a doubt for the trip to face City tomorrow night whilst William Saliba is set to miss the crucial fixture as he continues to recover from injury. Guardiola welcomed Phil Foden back to action at the weekend, adding to City’s fierce attacking threat ahead of their game against the Gunners.
Arteta rejected the idea that Wednesday night’s clash with City at the Etihad Stadium will decide who wins the Premier League title this term. Speaking ahead of the game, the Arsenal boss said: “We knew we had to go to Etihad, it will be difficult, but will it decide the season? No.
“The belief is there, I look at how the players reacted after Southampton, they defend each other in every moment. We really want it and we are again going to show it Wednesday night.
“But it has to be perfect because that is what is demanded at this time in the season,” he added. Guardiola offered a similar response in his own press conference, yet still placed a massive amount of significance on the outcome of the fixture.
“It is really important, but not decisive because there are many games to play for both sides. We can’t deny how important it is,” the City boss replied when asked about if the fixture will decide the title.
“Arsenal have always had incredible details about keeping the ball; the players they select for the club have big quality and skills. Mikel has brought them to a different level; they are so competitive and aggressive.”
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