When is something completely similar yet incredibly distinct? Since there was considerably more at stake and much more to lose in the title match between the two clubs in March, Arsenal’s second-half challenge against Manchester City was comparable to their defensive revolt.
It felt even bigger than six weeks away from a title this time, holding onto three points instead of just one, and having to get past a mental barrier that had been worked on for years before Mikel Arteta came.
Not like the North London derby plans, where the team is set up to play for a 0-0 draw and try to grab points during the break or via a set-piece, but with a determined freedom to really win the match.
The two teams behind them were involved in a collision off the ball from the moment Kai Havertz and Rodri clashed in the first few seconds. Barclays was known for its legacy of exchanging blows for blows and battle for battles.
The goals from David Raya’s cramp, Gabriel Magalhaes’ commanding header, Riccardo Calafiori’s comic book strip equalizer, and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s booking before he had made his debut. Ruben Dias was given space to fire on the edge of the box after Leandro Trossard lost his mind, and Arteta kicked every single ball away on the sideline. It cannot signify more, nor does it become better.
There was drama, there were goals, there was contentious officiating, there was tension, and there was a jumble of unprofessional decision-making mixed with VAR. This was the epiphany of genius in a game of utmost importance.
Here’s what Arsenal’s future holds after they defeated City handily on their own field.
Leicester City (H) – September 28, Saturday
Following their midweek Carabao Cup match against Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal begin a slightly more subdued domestic schedule. They will be heavy favorites to host Steve Cooper’s Leicester City, who have yet to win a game in the Premier League.
Arsenal won’t be in the mood to give up any points to their guests because they have a strong recent record against recently promoted teams. Just a few days later, PSG will be visiting north London, so Arteta will also need to balance his team.
Southampton (H) – October 5, Saturday
In continuation of the PSG meeting, this is another Championship promotion winner from the previous year. Although they haven’t had much success thus far, Russell Martin’s Southampton have steadfastly adhered to their principles of playing out from the back and through the thirds.
The Saints, who are also without a win, have given up numerous opportunities to their rivals thus far as a result of mistakes made during their build-up phase of play. Arteta hopes to capitalize on this given their strong press.
Bournemouth (A) – October 19, Saturday
Arsenal’s matches against south coast teams are split up by the second international break of the season. Surprisingly, Andoni Iraola’s team has underperformed thus far despite losing Dominic Solanke to Tottenham in the summer.
However, Arsenal easily prevailed in this match last season and knows they need to win again to maintain their title challenge. Next up is a home encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League group stage.
Liverpool (H) – October 27, Sunday
Arsenal hosts Liverpool, one of their fiercest rivals and other competitors, just one month after playing City. Even though Liverpool lost to Nottingham Forest in an unexpected outcome last weekend, Arne Slot has continued where Jurgen Klopp left off at Anfield and appears to have Liverpool back in the mix.
Arsenal performed admirably against their closest rivals in the previous season, and if they want to win the title, they might have to repeat that performance. Their credentials will be put to the test severely when Liverpool visits.
Newcastle (A) – November 2, Saturday
We head to the northeast to continue a much tougher little run of games. Arsenal has struggled against Eddie Howe’s team in the past and lost this game in a contentious manner the previous season.
However, the Magpies haven’t been able to match their point total with performances to match them up to this point. On Saturday, Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson—all alumni of Hale End—handily defeated the Magpies 3-1.
The next five Premier League games for Manchester City
Newcastle (A): September 28, Saturday.
Fulham (Home) – October 5, Saturday.
On Sunday, October 20, Wolves (A).
Southampton (H) on October 26, Saturday.
Bournemouth (A) – November 2, Saturday.
Liverpool’s upcoming five Premier League games
On Saturday, September 28, Wolves (A).
