Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is prepared to start against Manchester City if needed, following the ruling out of Bukayo Saka due to injury. Saka has been absent since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not be available for the crucial match at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their defeat to Bournemouth, and they face their title rivals with a game in hand. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the meeting with Sporting, but he is confident in Dowman's ability to deliver. The 16-year-old has impressed in his 11 senior appearances this season and became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March.
Arteta expressed his faith in Dowman, saying, "He will be ready, I am sure. You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering." The continued absence of Saka is a significant blow, and Arteta has rejected suggestions that Arsenal will play for a draw, insisting that he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal, but he remains confident in his team's ability to challenge for the title.