Former Arsenal youth player David Bentley is '100 per cent' confident the Gunners will beat Manchester City as the current Premier League title holders have become 'robotic' this season.
The Premier League's top two are set to go head-to-head at the Emirates in what is regarded as a six-pointer in the race for the title on Wednesday. Arsenal can move six points clear with a game in hand should they come out on top, while City can move to the summit on goal difference with a win.
Despite Erling Haaland having netted an astonishing 25 goals already this season, Bentley believes City have become less decisive in attack with the Norwegian in the team. Speaking to bitcoincasinos, Bentley said Arsenal will be able to take advantage of that City indecision with a win that he thinks will go on to see them lift the title at the end of the season.
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Bentley said: "The game on Wednesday, Arsenal will win it 100%. It’s a good time to be playing City for Arsenal and I think the way Arsenal have set up this season with a great balance of youth and experience, then going up against this Man City team now will mean they will win.
“I think Erling Haaland has come in but that has changed the dynamics of the team and the way they operate. Even though he’s come in and he’s a goal threat I just feel City are not as potent as they used to be or decisive in their forward play. I think you can open them up more now at the back.
"Man City became very ‘robotic’ in their approach to playing – for a long time they were playing without a recognised centre forward and so with Haaland coming in and I wouldn’t say he’s one of the best players in the world in terms of build-up play and linking in with the other players.
"You look at the difference between him and Harry Kane, he doesn’t link the play very well and the other players have had to adapt and even though he’s scored all those goals I think when it comes to the crucial moments and playing against the bigger teams I don’t think he’s helping.
"City look slightly disconnected and yes, there are also going to be games against the lesser sides where they win 6-0 and Haaland scored four, but it’s slightly misleading and there is more going on behind the scenes and that are also impacting what’s going to be reflected on the pitch.”
"Having that target number 9, a lot of the City players are not used to it, but maybe it might take more time. With such a good coach they can find a way to adapt to this different style, but trying to adapt right now is key and that will be the hardest thing that will stop City winning the league."
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