Arsenal have a torrid record against Manchester City in the Premier League and are without a win against the reigning champions since 2015. The Gunners have failed to win in their last 13 attempts against City, losing 11 and drawing just twice.
Arsene Wenger was the last Arsenal manager to beat the Manchester outfit as goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were enough to pick up all three points, despite Yaya Toure's late consolation goal at the Emirates Stadium. Both teams have changed significantly since that day in December 2015, but tonight represents the Gunners best chance at ending their poor league record against City considering their impressive form this season.
Arsenal are three points ahead of Pep Guardiola's side heading into the huge title clash tonight but have allowed City to close the gap at the top of the table after picking up just a point from their last two fixtures. Mikel Arteta will have a great understanding of Guardiola's tactics and City's strengths and weaknesses after spending a few years as the Spaniard's understudy at the Etihad Stadium following his retirement from playing.
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City haven't looked at their usual best in recent weeks with Guardiola having tweaked his starting lineup a number of times. Joao Cancelo's January departure on loan to Bayern Munich left City having to start Bernardo Silva in a new role, covering left-back against Aston Villa.
Bukayo Saka could be set for an enjoyable evening if Guardiola deploys a similar tactic tonight after Silva was rarely threatened during the win over Villa. Defeats to Manchester United and Tottenham this year have already shown Arsenal they have a great chance at taking a win against Guardiola's side which may give them the boost of momentum needed to go on and win their first title since 2004.
The FA Cup fourth round tie between the top two sides in the Premier League was closely contested despite the rotated lineups from both teams. With Arsenal able to field a full strength team, barring Gabriel Jesus' absence through injury, Arteta has the perfect chance to replicate Wenger's success against City in 2015 as the Gunners look to move six points clear at the top of the table and damage City's title chances this season.
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