Latest Arsenal FC News as former Gunners player Cesc Fabregas gives prediction on the crunch clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
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Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal will defy expectations in their crucial clash against Manchester City, foreseeing a victory for his former club at the Etihad this weekend.
Arsenal’s dominance in the Premier League persisted as they clinched victory against Brentford at the Emirates, marking their eighth consecutive triumph in the English top flight.
Despite facing doubts about their title aspirations after a challenging winter spell, Mikel Arteta’s squad rebounded decisively and now sets its sights on a commanding performance against Manchester this Sunday.
In a mirror of October’s encounter, Gabriel Martinelli secured the lone goal in North London, offering Arsenal the chance to extend their lead to four points over Pep Guardiola’s reigning treble-winning squad.
As City brace for the upcoming clash, they grapple with several injury setbacks, including concerns surrounding John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Manuel Akanji.
Conversely, Arsenal face uncertainties over the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Martinelli, although there remains optimism about their potential involvement against the defending champions.
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What Has Cesc Fabregas Said About the Upcoming Arsenal Match Against Man City?
Discussing the impending showdown on the Planet Premier League podcast, Fabregas highlighted City’s injury troubles as a potential game-changer, suggesting that Arsenal’s form this season is a “step higher” than many fans’ believe.
“I think Pep [Guardiola] always approaches games with the same perception, the same context. To win the game, he will put an offensive team, whoever it is,’ the ex-Arsenal captain said.
“He’s proven as well that he’s giving opportunities to younger players and he’s not afraid to do that. He’s done it everywhere he’s been. I don’t think this will be an issue for him but it will be more in terms of quality and pace at the back.
“I think Walker is such a big asset for them because they can play with such a high line when he’s in and they feel so confident to keep pushing because they know they have two or three machines sprinting back when they don’t have the ball, so this will be interesting.
Fabregas added: “I think Arsenal have grown so much in the last year with these new two or three additions… they look more solid, they look more mature, their ability to counter-attack, to keep the ball, to defend high, to defend deep. They control a lot of variants now and they are a very, very complete team.
“They know what it takes to beat Man City because they have done that already so it will be a really interesting game and, definitely, it will be a big challenge for Arsenal, especially to see where they are at this point.
“But I think they will surprise people because they are a step higher than everybody thinks.’
Asked for his prediction, Fabregas replied: “I think realistically, and I’m just saying based on what I see and what I feel and the perception that I have from both teams, and the news coming out from injuries and doubts… what I have in my mind is 1-2 to Arsenal.’
Fabregas lauds Declan Rice as the epitome of midfield excellence, citing him as a significant asset for Arsenal since his high-profile transfer from West Ham last summer.
“He’s brought dynamism, physicality, quality, intelligence, maturity. He’s the complete package in midfield, in my opinion,’ the former Spain World Cup winner explained.
“He can play also as a double-pivot, he can play by himself, he can play higher up as a No.8 and I think he looks like a very intelligent boy.
“He knows his limitations as well so I feel safe. I see him play and I’m like: “I don’t think this boy will make a mistake in this game!”
“Listen, I don’t know what will happen on Sunday, but he gives you that trust that, in midfield, in big games, you want players who take responsibility, have personality, players who you can trust, especially against a top Manchester City team when they have so many players in midfield with so much quality.
“I think Arsenal, Arsenal fans and Mikel, when they have Declan in there they feel safe. That’s a very big plus for the team.’