Arsenal faces Man City at Etihad: Key strategies for success

Arsenal's recent encounters with Manchester City have shown their potential to challenge the reigning champions. Last season, Arsenal managed to secure a 1-0 victory at home and held City to a goalless draw away, making them the only team to take four points off City. Despite this success, Arsenal faces a tough task replicating those performances, especially with a demanding schedule following their Champions League match against Atalanta. City, led by prolific striker Erling Haaland, has been in formidable form, scoring 11 goals early in the season, while Arsenal has struggled offensively with only six goals to their name. Defensively, Arsenal's strategy against City has proven effective, as they limited City's expected goals to just 0.48 in their October meeting. This was a significant achievement, considering City's attacking prowess under Pep Guardiola. Arsenal's ability to bypass City's press through long passes, particularly utilizing Kai Havertz's aerial skills, has been a key component of their game plan. This approach was evident in their winning goal against City last season, showcasing their counter-attacking capabilities. Moreover, Arsenal has excelled in set-piece situations, scoring 24 goals from set pieces since the start of last season, the highest in the Premier League. Their efficiency in counter-attacks has also improved, making them a formidable opponent. With a younger squad gaining experience, Arsenal's average age has risen above 26, aligning them more closely with traditional title-winning teams. However, Arsenal's challenge remains significant, as they have not won at the Etihad Stadium since 2015. The upcoming match will test their resolve and strategies against a City side that continues to dominate the league.