Mikel Arteta has confirmed that 16‑year‑old Max Dowman is fully prepared to step onto the pitch if the situation demands it, after Arsenal confirmed Bukayo Saka will miss Sunday’s high‑stakes encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad. Saka has not played since the Carabao Cup final last month, and the Gunners’ boss made it clear the winger will not be available for what Pep Guardiola has already labelled a "final" in the title race. Arsenal entered the weekend with a six‑point cushion over City after a disappointing loss to Bournemouth the previous weekend, but the gap has now narrowed. The two sides will meet live on Sky Sports, and Arsenal have the added pressure of having played one more game than their rivals.
Arteta has also been monitoring the fitness of winger Noni Madueke, who suffered what appeared to be a knee knock in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Sporting CP. While Madueke remains a doubt, Arteta stressed that he would not hesitate to throw the teenager Dowman into the fray if the need arises.
Dowman has already made an impression in his eleven senior appearances this season. He burst onto the Premier League scene in March when he scored against Everton, becoming the youngest ever scorer in the competition at just 16 years and 73 days old. "He will be ready, I am sure of it," Arteta said at his pre‑match press conference.
"You can drop this kid into any situation and you know exactly what you’re going to get from him." The Arsenal manager went on to praise Dowman's consistency, noting that the youngster has delivered whenever he has been called upon. "He has shown in every game we have used him that he can cope with the pressure," Arteta added.
Dowman’s most recent appearance came as a 63rd‑minute substitute for Madueke in the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting. Although Madueke was seen limping after the match, Arteta remained optimistic about his recovery, saying, "We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the game. He’s positive and he pushes through pain. I am hopeful he can be available, but we will see how he feels in training." The continued absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options.
Alongside the captain, Martin Ødegaard, who also carries a niggling injury, the Gunners have been forced to rely on a squad that has endured a series of setbacks throughout the campaign. Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, "He is just starting to get some things back.
Let’s see his progression and how quickly we can get him fully fit. At the moment, he is not available." When asked whether Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad, Arteta dismissed the notion outright.
He emphasized that his team is preparing to win, not to settle for a point. "It is certainly the most important game because it is the next one," he said.
"We have earned the right to be in this position and to challenge for the title. If we can win on Sunday against arguably the best team and manager in the league, it would be a massive privilege.
We are not going to waste a second thinking about playing for a draw. Every match we prepare for is with the intention of winning, and that is why we are where we are now." Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, admitted that a loss to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s title hopes. "Obviously, if we lose it’s over," the Spanish manager said.
"But there are still seven games left for us in the Premier League, and those are decisive." Guardiola also highlighted the psychological edge City holds as the only English side still in the Champions League, but he warned his players not to let emotions distract them. "I told the players it is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, you lose focus," he explained. He expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to meet the challenge, noting that the in‑form full‑back will be available after a brief scare with Nico O’Reilly’s hamstring.
Both managers also reflected on the broader narrative of the season. Arteta acknowledged the criticism Arsenal have faced for being perceived as pragmatic rather than entertaining, and for relying heavily on set‑pieces. He countered that the team’s resilience and adaptability have been key to staying in the title race. Guardiola, on the other hand, spoke about the weight of history on Arsenal’s shoulders, recalling the 22‑year wait since their last Premier League triumph in 2003‑04.
"People want to win, and we will fight for it," he said. "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." City have been formidable at home this season, losing only one of fifteen league matches on their own turf. Their recent 2‑0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, sealed by O’Reilly’s double, reminded everyone that the gap between the two clubs is narrow. Guardiola expects Arteta to make tactical tweaks, noting, "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 will adjust something and we have to be prepared." Looking ahead, Arsenal will need to harness the energy of their youthful talents like Dowman and Madueke, while managing the fitness concerns of key players. If they can secure a win at the Etihad, they will not only extend their lead but also send a clear message to the rest of the league that they are serious title contenders. The match promises to be a defining moment in what has already been a dramatic season for both clubs.