Arsenal approach their clash with Manchester City looking to build on their growing reputation as one of the most tactically flexible and resilient sides in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta has worked tirelessly to solve problems that once haunted his team. Conceding goals from set pieces, for instance, is no longer a glaring weakness after the introduction of a specialist coach transformed Arsenal into one of the most efficient defensive units in England.
Breaking City’s dominance has also been a personal challenge for Arteta. After a long run of defeats against his former mentor, Arsenal are now five games unbeaten against City, including a morale-boosting Community Shield victory. The challenge now is to turn that progress into consistency, especially in matches that follow Champions League fixtures, where Arsenal’s record has been patchy. Last season, they dropped crucial points in such games, including both 2-2 draws against Liverpool.
Squad depth has become vital to addressing these concerns. Even in the absence of William Saliba, new signing Cristhian Mosquera and loanee Piero Hincapié have stepped up to provide stability. Arteta now has a wider pool of defenders capable of rotating without compromising quality. In midfield, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino offer both solidity and creativity, while Merino’s ability to operate as a makeshift striker has been invaluable during Kai Havertz’s recovery from injury.
The attacking options are equally impressive. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have proven themselves as effective “finishers” from the bench, a role Arteta has emphasized as crucial to unlocking tight matches. Despite speculation over their futures, both remain key weapons, complementing newer arrivals like Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. The competition for places ensures intensity and freshness across a long season.
Arteta’s willingness to rotate his squad more frequently this campaign reflects his determination to manage the relentless schedule. Myles Lewis-Skelly, for instance, has been forced to battle for minutes as Riccardo Calafiori establishes himself at left-back. Such internal competition drives standards higher, ensuring Arsenal remain competitive across all fronts.
With City seeking revenge after their humbling defeat last season, the stakes are high. Yet Arsenal’s blend of tactical maturity, improved set-piece resilience, and expanded squad depth gives them a genuine edge. Arteta insists his side now approaches every fixture with conviction, and victory over City would be another statement of intent in their pursuit of silverware.
