Dowman Set to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City, following the news that Bukayo Saka will miss the crucial match. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month and will not feature in Sunday's game at the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering a knee injury in the midweek meeting with Sporting. Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, has impressed Arteta with his performances across 11 senior appearances this season. "He will be ready, I am sure," Arteta said of Dowman. "You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering." The Arsenal manager also rejected suggestions that his team would play for a draw, insisting that they will prepare to win and reopen their nine-point lead. Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, has acknowledged that Manchester City's title bid will be over if they lose to Arsenal. "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."