Arsenal may have secured a memorable win in Sunday’s North London derby, but Mikel Arteta and his team are not about to rest on their laurels with another massive week ahead.
The Gunners triumphed over Tottenham 1-0 at the weekend, even without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
The result has kept them within reach of the top of the Premier League table as they prepare for this week’s clash with Manchester City.
READ MORE: CBS reveal behind-the-scenes response to Carragher’s awkward Kate Abdo jibe
READ MORE: Anthony Taylor snubbed for Premier League after referee’s yellow card frenzy
The reigning champions are aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive domestic crown, and Arsenal are aware that a defeat would put them five points behind their title rivals at this early stage of the season.
Here, we round up all the latest news from The Emirates ahead of Sunday’s big game, as reported by The Mirror.
Arteta gets title boost
(Image: Getty Images)
According to Alan Shearer, Arsenal boasts the best defence in the entire Premier League – and it could be the deciding factor in the title race.
So far this term, the Gunners have conceded just one goal in their four league matches, including a clean sheet against Spurs in the North London derby. They’ll be hoping to replicate this performance against City in their next match.
Shearer believes Arsenal’s defence is superior to City’s, which could give them the edge in Sunday’s crucial showdown at The Etihad.
Arteta told to make Man City change
(Image: No credit)
Gary Neville has advised Mikel Arteta that reintroducing Declan Rice is the only alteration he should make for Arsenal’s trip to Man City.
The Gunners are marching to Manchester on a high after their stunning triumph in the North London derby, even without the leadership of Martin Odegaard or Declan Rice.
Gary Neville, however, is adamant that despite Arsenal’s dazzling display against Spurs, Rice must be reinstated immediately into the starting lineup. He believes the rest of the squad Arteta picked to face their fierce rivals should remain unchanged.
Timber makes Man City promise
(Image: No credit)
Jurrien Timber has made a bold promise ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Man City, vowing they’re heading to The Etihad for nothing less than victory.
After whispers last year suggested the Gunners played it safe aiming for a draw, Timber has come out swinging, declaring on Sunday: “We always go everywhere with the intention of [getting] three points.”
He continued, “It wasn’t our intention to go for a draw there [last season]. I wasn’t there, obviously, but I know how this team thinks – and we go everywhere for a win.”