Man City vs Arsenal: Four battles that could determine the outcome of the potential title decider

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and his former boss Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Imago)

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Arsenal vs Manchester City

PREMIER LEAGUE Man City vs Arsenal: Four battles that could determine the outcome of the potential title decider

Allan Damba 12:06 - 26.04.2023

Ahead of what promises mouthwatering action, Pulse Sports Uganda takes you through the key areas that could decide the encounter.

Premier League leaders Arsenal visit second-placed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in a potential title decider.

On 75 points, Arsenal are five clear of the Citizens, but the latter have played two games less.

Ahead of what promises mouthwatering action, Pulse Sports Uganda takes you through the key areas that could decide the encounter.

Erling Haaland vs Rob Holding

While Arsenal will have to deal with one of Europe's deadliest attacks, Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes, particularly at centre-back, will have the daunting task of dealing with Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian, who has already scored against the Gunners once this season, has been monstrous for backlines this season, netting 32 goals already in the league, including 21 at the Etihad.

Haaland scored against Arsenal in the first leg

On the other hand, Arsenal, who will continue to be without William Saliba, have conceded 34 goals already this season, including seven in the last three games.

Bukayo Saka vs Aymeric Laporte/Sergio Gomez

In the absence of Nathan Ake, who is out of this through a hamstring injury, Pep Guardiola will have to turn to one of Sergio Gomez or Aymeric Laporte to try to stop Bukayo Saka.

Each of Gomez and Laporte has featured just eight times in the league this season, and whoever is tasked to deal with Saka will have to be at their absolute best.

Saka has arguably been Arsenal's best player this season. While he has improved his overall game and threat, the fact that he has added numbers to his game has made him almost unplayable.

Saka has been in scintillating form this season|Imago

The English youngster has been directly involved in 24 goals in the league, including 13 goals and 11 assists. In this tie, only Haaland, on 37 goal contributions, has more.

Kevin De Bruyne vs Martin Odegaard

Like it's been over his entire spell at Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne continues to shine and has yet again, been among the best performers in the league.

While he has only scored five times, he has garnered 15 assists, four ahead of the next, Saka. De Bruyne never shys away from the big occasion, as he has either scored or assisted against Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool this season.

Martin Odegaard and Kevin De Bruyne face each other again, tonight|Imago

Odegaard, on the other side is having his most potent season ever, with 19 league contributions, 12 goals and seven assists.

While he might not be at De Bruyne's level yet, the Norwegian has led his troops exemplarily with his quality and leadership attributes.

Rodri (Rodrigo Hernandez Castante) vs Thomas Partey

The tie could get interesting with the battle between two of the best defensive and or holding midfielders around: Rodri and Partey.

Rodri and Partey can protect their respective backlines, link defence to attack and break play.

Thomas Partey is expected to play a pivotal role for Arsenal against Man City|Imago

However, Rodri has, in his 29 league appearances, added two goals and six assists. Partey has featured 27 times, scoring thrice and has registered a single assist.

While the eventual outcome could go down to individual battles, as highlighted, a character in these games has the potential to be the decider. One who shows more fights frequently runs home victorious.