Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is prepared to start against Manchester City, 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. Meanwhile, Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be fit to play despite suffering a knee injury in the meeting with Sporting.
Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, has impressed in his 11 senior appearances this season. Arteta expressed confidence in the 16-year-old's ability to deliver, stating, 'You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering.' The Arsenal manager also emphasized that his team will not be playing for a draw, instead preparing to win and reopen their nine-point lead. On the other hand, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his team's Premier League title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal.
Guardiola noted that while an Arsenal win would end City's title challenge, there could still be plenty of twists and turns ahead with half a dozen games left to play.