Arsenal are yet to come close to the standards set by themselves in the early 2000s since their historic invincible season in 2003-04. The team has been a disappointment in most competitions in the past decade and currently, Mikel Arteta is leading the rebuilding project at the Emirates after the sacking of Unai Emery, who failed in his attempts to do the same.
The team with such a glorious history is lying in the 9th position in the Premier League this season and they have only 10 games in hand to get into the top 4 which will make them eligible to play the Champions League. Though it is a tough job at Arsenal for Mikel Arteta with multiple issues that need to be resolved, the fans have been backing the gaffer as he has played for the club and seems to have that emotional connection which will give him the leeway to imbibe his ideas on the squad over a period of time.
But for now, they have to get ready to face Manchester City as Project Restart gets underway.
Team News
Speaking of injuries, Arsenal will be without Lucas Torreira and Calum Chambers who are recovering from an ankle and knee injury respectively, against Manchester City. But the duo should be available soon as they have already started training with the team which would give Arteta a mental lift of having a fully fit squad to choose from.
Cedric Soares, who is currently on loan at the Emirates since January 31, 2020, could exit Arsenal without playing a single game for them. He is finally fully fit after spending all of his loan spell till now on the sidelines but a contract stand-off might see him exit the club at the end of the month.
Though Arsenal are not way off in terms of attacking quality, the midfield and defence have been shockingly substandard which has reflected in their overall performances.
Form Guide
Arsenal have managed to secure 4 wins in their last 5 outings in all competitions with the 2-1 Europa League loss, which knocked them out of the competition, against Olympiacos being the only disappointment. As far as the Premier League is concerned, they have emerged as winners in their last 3 outings against West Ham, Everton, and Newcastle United. The Gunners’ last five outings also include a 2-0 FA Cup win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Mikel Arteta will hope his team can keep up their good form in the FA Cup and the Premier League if they are to end the season on a high. But the encounter against Manchester City right after the restart of the Premier League could be crucial in deciding their fate this season. A win in the same could be a huge boost for the whole squad and the momentum could see them put up a fight for a place in the top 5.
Arsenal – WWLWW
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINEUP
Leno; Bellerin, Mari, Luiz, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette