In what is already a top-of-the-table confrontation, the Premier League’s action this weekend is headlined by a battle of the behemoths between the top two teams from last season, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Inter Milan held the Citizens to a goalless draw in the Champions League, while the Gunners required additional David Raya exploits to secure a point against Atalanta BC. Consequently, both titans are returning to domestic duty.
The omnipotent fulcrum and the hitherto unstoppable Erling Haaland were unable to overcome Inter’s defensive might in midweek, despite the fact that the indefatigable Rodri broke the Nerazzurri’s resistance to propel Man City to their long-awaited share of Champions League glory a little over 12 months ago.
In fact, Man City’s most recent pursuit of European supremacy commenced with a scoreless match against their 2023 final opponents, who also capitalized on the Premier League champions’ ineptitude, particularly in the air, as Ilkay Gundogan squandered a remarkable aerial opportunity.
The hosts’ flawless commencement to 2024-25 was abruptly terminated by the stalemate with Simone Inzaghi’s team. However, their unblemished Premier League record is preserved as a result of their most recent Erling Haaland-inspired revival against Brentford last weekend.
Haaland, who declined an offer of compassionate leave following the passing of a close family friend, responded to Yoane Wissa’s early opener in the manner that is characteristic of him, thereby maintaining City’s two-point lead at the summit. With only four games remaining, he has scored an astonishing nine goals for the season, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s previous record.
The Citizens have now won 13 consecutive matches in the top flight, which is unfortunate for some. They have the potential to become the first team in the history of English football to win each of their first five games of the season in five separate campaigns. However, there are no prizes for guessing who they last lost points to.
Arsenal suffered the same fate as their Premier League title rivals twenty-four hours after Man City was held goalless by an Italian team wearing black and blue. However, Mikel Arteta’s team was once again indebted to Raya and his remarkable athleticism.
The Gunners were able to secure a respectable Champions League point in Bergamo by correctly predicting the outcome of Mateo Retegui’s penalty. However, the former Brentford player was able to rapidly recover and clear the Italian’s headed rebound.
Arsenal’s point against a team that tore Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen to shreds should not be sniffed at, and both Arteta and Robbie Savage gushed over one of the “best saves” they had ever seen at the Gewiss Stadium. However, Arteta’s men, who were devoid of Martin Odegaard, never really looked like scoring themselves.
Until the most recent Nicolas Jover set-piece special concluded with Gabriel Magalhaes garnering Arsenal the North London derby bragging rights, the same was true at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This resulted in Arsenal remaining second in the standings and surpassing Newcastle United on goal difference.
Arsenal, who have recently exhibited a particular penchant for tenacious away displays, have the potential to make Premier League history on their travels by becoming the first team to not fall behind in 12 consecutive road matches in the competition. To date, they have not trailed in any of their last 11 away from home.
In Easter, Arteta’s team achieved a quintessentially dogged performance by holding Man City scoreless at the Etihad. The Citizens curse was lifted by a deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal in a 1-0 Emirates victory. However, the Gunners have not emerged victorious at the Etihad since January 2015 under Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal’s potential starting lineup: Raya; White; Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
