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Boxing Silvestre: Arsenal vs Man City on Wednesday Just The First Leg of Title Race
Top of the table clash finally as league leaders Arsenal host reigning champions, Manchester City, in the Premier League.
The Gunners have surprised fans and analysts alike with their performances and currently sit three points ahead of the Cityzens. The gap would have been larger but Mikel Arteta’s men only picked up a point in their last two matches which has allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to be back in the title picture.
The stakes are such that a Man City win will see them go top on goal difference. An Arsenal win will see them extend the lead to six points.
To discuss the significance of the match and what could be the consequences, we sat down with former Arsenal and Man Utd defender, Mikael Silvestre.
In this article:
- Arsenal vs Man City is the first leg of what can affect the title race significantly
- Expect Arsenal to be full of confidence despite the last two games
- Gabriel Martinelli will start and it’s great to have Leandro Trossard as an option
Arsenal vs Man City is the first leg of what can affect the title race significantly
The Arsenal-Man City game is being touted as a title decider by sections of fans and media but Silvestre doesn’t think it’s a title-deciding game.
He says that there are a lot of games to go and even if City lose, they will still not be out of the title picture.
“Even if City were to lose tomorrow I don’t think they would be out of the race. In terms of points and securing the title, no.”
“I think there’s still a lot of games to play and a lot of points to play for.”
Despite it not being a title-decider, Silvestre thinks the match should be seen as the first of two legs that could affect the title race significantly.
“Given the league position and the race since the beginning of the season, the reigning champions against a very good and consistent Arsenal side, it’s one of the biggest fixtures.”
“It’s the first leg I would say and whoever comes on top has a big chance to win the league.”
Expect Arsenal to be full of confidence despite the last two games
The Gunners dropped points in their last two outings – a loss to Everton at Goodison Park and then a draw against Brentford. Questions have been raised about Arsenal’s toughness and if this will lead to a capitulation.
Silvestre, however, doesn’t expect Arsenal to be low on confidence heading into this match. He points to what Arsenal have shown this season, both home and away and suggests that Arsenal will be relishing this matchup as they have a point to prove in the title race.
“I think they will still be full of confidence, as they should be, because of what they’ve shown home and away.”
“It’s a big fixture and I think when you’re in a title race, you are relishing these types of opportunities to play against the best team. They have a good opportunity to show why they should be respected and feared.”
Gabriel Martinelli will start and it’s great to have Leandro Trossard as an option
Arsenal’s Brazilian winger, Gabriel Martinelli has struggled in his last few outings which could lead to him being dropped in favour of January signing Leandro Trossard.
The Belgian forward got his first goal for Arsenal in the game against Brentford but Silvestre thinks that Martinelli will still be Arteta’s preferred option and the last few games will not affect the Brazilian’s confidence.
“I still think Martinelli would get the preference for this kind of a game.”
“The last few games, I don’t think they will affect Martinelli’s confidence and the pecking order for Mikel Arteta.”
Silvestre concludes by saying that Arsenal are in a good position with having someone like Trossard as an option from the bench.
“If Martinelli was to give a hundred percent like he does, maybe he wouldn’t last 90 minutes but then you have an excellent backup in Trossard.”
