Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal’s players that they are going to Manchester City this Sunday to win, according to Declan Rice. The two Premier League title contenders’ cagey clash back in March finished goalless, with some fans suggesting the Gunners were playing for a draw.
But Rice has revealed that the Gunners will attack the reigning champions with a different game plan this time around. Speaking after Thursday night’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta, the midfielder told TNT Sports: “The manager’s just said [to us] there, we want to go there this time to win. It’s crucial for our season.”
Arsenal were left frustrated in their Champions League opener by the side sitting ninth in Serie A. Gabriel Martinelli missed a good chance late on but the north Londoners were disjointed going forward, and they have David Raya to thank for the fact they came away with a point.
The goalkeeper produced a memorable moment to save both Mateo Retegui’s penalty and his headed rebound, and he was mobbed by team-mates who recognised his incredible feat.
Though the Gunners may have wished for more from their trip to Italy, attention will swiftly turn to Sunday’s clash with City. The two sides are expected to go head-to-head for the title again this season unless Arne Slot’s Liverpool spoil the party.
City were held to a goalless draw by Inter Milan on Wednesday as the Nerazzurri set up an impenetrable wall around their penalty area. Rice and his team-mates were watching and taking notes.
“We all dig in for each other and that’s going to be needed at the Etihad on Sunday,” he continued. “We watched their game last night. Teams don’t want to go there and sit in, but they’re so good on the ball that sometimes they sink you back.
“Sometimes you’re just sat in there, not wanting to be, but you have to be so switched on because they can hurt you at any time. Last year there were a few chances we could have done better with.”
Defeat for Arsenal would open up a five-point gap between themselves and City. And the deficit would be tricky to make up without captain Martin Odegaard, who is expected to miss the next eight weeks with an ankle injury.
City could be without their own talisman on Sunday, as reports indicate that Kevin De Bruyne is unlikely to recover from the groin issue he suffered against Inter in time for the game.
