Arteta Confident in Dowman's Readiness to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in Max Dowman's ability to start against Manchester City, following the confirmation that Bukayo Saka will miss the clash due to injury. Despite Saka's absence, Arteta remains optimistic about his team's chances, citing Dowman's impressive performances across 11 senior appearances this season. The 16-year-old has made history as the youngest scorer in Premier League history, and Arteta believes he can deliver in any context. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that a loss to Arsenal would essentially end Manchester City's title bid, but he remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of approaching the game as just another football match. With several key players facing injury doubts, including Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard, Arteta is preparing his team to win and reopen their nine-point lead. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between the top two teams, with Arsenal seeking their first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season.