Manchester City vs Arsenal : Preview

Few months ago when Arsenal started their 2011-12 season campaign, they had tough games back to back against Liverpool and Manchester united. One game which will remain like a scar in arsenal history is the game against United at old trafford, where we succumbed to a 8-2 drubbing, which was quoted as a Manchester united team vs Arsenal school team. Today 18Th December 2011, we travel to other side of Manchester to the Etihad stadium for a game against the league leaders Manchester city. The difference is now we have got a mature and confident squad contrary to what we had in early august-september. The team strength and confidence is just growing every game. The Club just celebrated 125 years of existence last weekend, and the unity and love in the team is just very much evident on the pitch and dressing room. 

    Though we are 9 points adrift the leaders, the confidence and belief that we can come with a win can be seen on the faces of all the players. The table tennis tournaments, the captaincy of Robin Van Persie, mutual admiration for team mates have lifted the team spirit.Robin van persie is in the form of his life scoring 33 goals in this calendar years, just 4 goals away from Allan Shearer who currently holds the record with 37 goals and 1 goal away from the Arsenal legend Thierry Henry with 34 goals. There is no reason why RVP can't overtake Shearer in the goals tally. The Resurgence of Alex Song in the central midfield had surprised everyone. Strong in defense, never shy to attack when given the opportunity. He has matured very well in the central midfield after the gap left by Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. He has partnered well with Mikel Arteta to give us a competitive edge. His presence will be crucial in today's game. He will have to play that protective role in front of our shaky defense. Man city has shown some really strong attacking skills from the likes of Sergio Aguero, Balotelli, David Silva, Edin Dzeko, and off course the former Arsenal man Samir Nasri. It will be interesting to see how he tackles all the boos by the away fans. The list is endless, Man city have a strong attacking unit. On the other hand, Arsenal defence this season has been good on and off. The return of Thomas Vermaelen, gave a big boost to the defence. With both Santos and Sagna out with injuries, he will again take over the left back position, with Mertesacker and Koscielny in the centre, and Djourou at Right back. Mertesacker has been shaky but Koscielny has been solid. So has been the young polish Goalkeeper Szczesny. 

    Attacking options are plenty. Arteta and Ramsey would be important in the midfield to make those through balls to strikers. Walcott has been in good form this season at the right wing. Arsenal will look to his services for the long runs in the wings as well as crosses in the box. He will have to overcome the defensive lines of Zabaleta. Gervinho too has had a good season. has created more assists than Samir nasri for Man city. But his finishing has been poor. It will be an interesting test against the well established defense of Lescott and Kompany. Former Arsenal man Clichy will miss the game because of suspension. Man City on the other hand have taken a jolt to their rampaging start to the season. They got knocked out of Champion's league even after defeating Bayern Munich in their final match. That was followed by a loss at stamford bridge to Chelsea, to end their unbeaten run in the League. Roberto Mancini will look to his Strikers to end their dismal run in last week. While Arsenal will look to inflict more wounds to Mancini's men. Mikel Arteta has said,

 If we can defeat manchester city, no one will doubt our capabilities to win the league 

And yes it will be an eye opener for the other teams, that Arsenal is back in the title race.

Probable Line ups:
Manchester City :  Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Zabaleta, Milner, Toure, Barry, Silva, Aguero, Balotelli 


Arsenal : Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott, Van Persie, Gervinho 


Predictions: Manchester City 2-3 Arsenal 
A hard fought win for Arsenal with goals from either sides.