Key Takeaways
- Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will chase victory at Etihad, not play for a draw.
- Opta data show a 0-0 would still leave Gunners 89 % favourites for the title.
- Bukayo Saka remains out; Arteta hopes other injured stars return soon.
Mikel Arteta has ruled out any thought of settling for a point when Arsenal visit Manchester City on Sunday, insisting his side will “go for the win” in the Premier League’s top-of-the-table clash.
Arsenal hold a six-point lead over the champions, although they have contested one more match. A draw would boost their trophy chances to almost 90 %, according to Opta, yet Arteta refuses to set up defensively.
“We prepare to win every game,” the Spaniard said. “We have not spoken for one second about playing for a stalemate. We see this as a huge chance to take three points.”
Recent matches have shown strain. Arsenal scored only three times in their last five outings and needed a 0-0 home draw with Sporting to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Critics suggest they may sit deep again, but Arteta dismissed the idea.
“We never propose a match like that,” he added. “City can pin you back, but our mindset is always to attack.”
Last season a goalless draw at the Etihad drew scorn from City’s Rodri, who claimed Arsenal “only wanted a point”. Arteta believes lessons have been learned.
Injuries continue to test the squad. Winger Bukayo Saka is still nursing an Achilles problem, while Jurriën Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Ødegaard face late fitness checks. Noni Madueke should be ready after a minor knock.
“April and May are about having your best players on the grass,” Arteta said. “That lifts your odds of lifting trophies.”