Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City, following the news that Bukayo Saka will miss the crucial clash due to injury. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month, and Arteta has now ruled him out of the upcoming game at the Etihad Stadium, which has been described by Pep Guardiola as a 'final'. Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table has been reduced to six points after last weekend's defeat to Bournemouth, and they face a tough test against their title rivals, who have lost just one of their 15 league matches at home this season.
Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the midweek game against Sporting, but he has no hesitation in using 16-year-old Dowman, who has impressed in his 11 senior appearances this season. Dowman became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, aged 16 years and 73 days, and Arteta is confident that he will deliver if called upon. 'He will be ready, I am sure,' said Arteta.
'You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering. He has shown that this season in whatever games we have used him.' The absence of Saka is a significant blow for Arsenal, who are also without captain Martin Odegaard and the fit-again Kai Havertz, both of whom have struggled with injuries this season.
Arteta rejected suggestions that Arsenal may play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting that he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead at the top of the table. 'It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one,' he said. 'We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. With the possibility to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen.' Meanwhile, Guardiola has accepted that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be all but over if they lose to Arsenal on Sunday.
'Obviously, if we lose it's over,' Guardiola said. 'But there are still games to play. The reality is there are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment.' Guardiola also praised Arsenal, saying that they have been the best team in the league so far this season, and that he enjoys watching them play. 'People are so demanding,' Guardiola said.
'From the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things.
People what they want is to win and we'll fight.' The game promises to be an exciting and intense encounter, with both teams eager to come out on top and take a significant step towards winning the Premier League title.