Arteta Confident Dowman Can Step Up Against Man City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City if needed, following the confirmation that Bukayo Saka will miss the crucial match 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 clash at the Etihad Stadium, which Pep Guardiola has described as a 'final'. Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their recent defeat to Bournemouth, and they face their title rivals having played one more game. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the midweek meeting with Sporting, but he is prepared to use 16-year-old Dowman if necessary. Dowman has made a significant impact across 11 senior appearances this season, becoming the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March at the age of 16 years and 73 days. When asked about Dowman's readiness to start, Arteta said, 'He will be ready, I am sure. You throw him into any context, and you know what he will be delivering.' Arteta also praised Dowman's performances this season, stating, 'He has shown that this season in whatever games we have used him.' Dowman replaced Madueke in the 63rd minute of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, and the England international was seen limping afterwards. Regarding Madueke's injury, Arteta said, 'We have another training session tomorrow, and it didn't look too bad after the game. He is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain.' The continued absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal, who are already dealing with injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and the fit-again Kai Havertz. Arteta rejected suggestions that Arsenal could play for a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting that he is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead. When asked if he views the game as the biggest of his Arsenal tenure, Arteta said, 'It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one. 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, Pep Guardiola has accepted that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal in Sunday's crunch clash. Guardiola added that while an Arsenal win at the Etihad Stadium would end City's title challenge, there could still be plenty of twists and turns ahead with half a dozen games left to play. '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.' Ruben Dias will continue to miss out for City, but Nico O'Reilly is expected to be available despite doubts over a hamstring problem. Arsenal are seeking their first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season and have been criticized for their pragmatic approach and reliance on set-pieces. Guardiola praised Arsenal, saying, 'People are so demanding. From the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things. People want to win, and we'll fight.' City, who have lost just one of their 15 league matches at home this season, ended Arsenal's quadruple bid four weeks ago with a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Guardiola is expecting Arteta to make some changes to his team, saying, 'If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we are going to win. But I know Mikel a little, they are going to adjust something, and we have to be prepared.'