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 news that Bukayo Saka will miss the upcoming match due to injury. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month, and Arteta has now confirmed that he will not be available for the clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, a game that Pep Guardiola has described as a 'final'. Arsenal's lead over Manchester City has been reduced to six points after their defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, and they will face their title rivals, live on Sky Sports, having played one more game. Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be available despite suffering an apparent knee injury during the meeting with Sporting, but he has stated that he will not hesitate to use 16-year-old Dowman if needed. Dowman has made a significant impact across his 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, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering.' Arteta also expressed his confidence in Dowman's ability to perform under pressure, 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. 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. I am hopeful he can be available, but we will see if he is able to train.' The continued absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal, especially given that captain Martin Odegaard is also an injury doubt to face City, and the fit-again Kai Havertz has endured an injury-hit campaign. Arteta said, 'He is just starting to do some stuff. Let's see that progression and how quickly we can go through. At the moment, he is not available.' 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.' Arteta added, 'That is a huge privilege. We cannot wait to play the game, and we are going to prepare to win. We see it as a big opportunity for us. We are not going to spend one second about that [playing for a draw]. We prepare every game to win, and that is why we are where we are. We will do the same.' Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola accepted that Manchester City's Premier League title bid will be finished if they lose to Arsenal in Sunday's crunch clash between the top two teams. Guardiola said, 'Obviously, if we lose, it's over. 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.' He added, 'Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League, and they have been the best so far. We want to challenge them. I said today to the players, it is just a football game, and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus.' Ruben Dias continues to miss out for City, but Guardiola revealed that the in-form full-back Nico O'Reilly will be available despite hobbling off at Stamford Bridge with a hamstring problem. Guardiola said, 'The target is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do, and all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal. The confidence is good, we are ready.' Arsenal, seeking their first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season, have been dogged by accusations of pragmatism over excitement and relying on their skill at set-pieces. Guardiola said, '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.' He added, 'An aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight against is 22 years without winning the Premier League. They have something that makes them unique. I knew that feeling when we arrived here. I know how you feel that first win. That is something that we cannot play against. That's why we have to focus on the way we have to play.' City, who have lost just one of their 15 league matches at home this season, ended Arsenal's quadruple bid four weeks ago as O'Reilly's double sealed a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Guardiola is expecting his opposite number and former assistant at City, Arteta, to make some alterations. He said, '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. Every year they are getting better and better. Last season, Liverpool were incredible, but the previous one and this season, Arsenal have been the biggest contender.'