Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Max Dowman is fully prepared to step onto the pitch for Arsenal if the situation demands it, after confirming that Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Arsenal manager explained that Saka, who has not played since the Carabao Cup final last month, will not feature in what Pep Guardiola has described as a "final" for his side. The stakes are high.
Arsenal’s cushion over City was trimmed to just six points following a surprising defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, and the Gunners now have a chance to reclaim a larger gap with a win on the road. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and Arsenal will be playing one more game than their rivals at this stage of the campaign. Arteta also hopes that winger Noni Madueke will be fit after sustaining what looked like a knee issue during Wednesday’s Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting CP. However, the manager did not rule out the possibility of handing the 16‑year‑old prodigy Dowman his first Premier League start if circumstances require it.
Dowman has already turned heads this season. In just eleven senior appearances, he became the youngest ever scorer in the Premier League when he netted against Everton in March at the astonishing age of 16 years and 73 days. "He will be ready, I am sure of it," Arteta said at his pre‑match press conference. "You can throw him into any situation and you know what you’ll get from him.
He has shown, in every game we have used him, that he can deliver." The youngster was introduced as a substitute for Madueke in the 63rd minute of the Champions League tie, and although the England international appeared to limp after the game, Arteta remained optimistic about his recovery. "We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the game," Arteta added. "He is positive, he pushes through pain, and I am hopeful he can be available, but we will see how he feels in training." Saka’s continued absence is a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options. The England winger has missed several weeks with a lingering injury, and his unavailability mirrors the situation of captain Martin Ødegaard, who also carries a niggling problem ahead of the clash.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, who has recently returned to fitness, will also be a factor in Arteta’s selection dilemma. "He is just starting to do some stuff," Arteta said of Saka. "Let’s see his progression and how quickly we can get him back. At the moment, he is not available." When asked whether Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad, Arteta rejected the notion outright.
He emphasized that his team is being prepared to win, not to settle for a point. "It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one," he said. "We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. A win on Sunday, against arguably the best team and manager in the league, would be a huge privilege.
We are not going to spend a second thinking about playing for a draw. We prepare every game to win, and that is why we are where we are.
Our team will give everything to go and win it. We know what we have to do against a strong opponent." Pep Guardiola, for his part, acknowledged that a defeat to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s title hopes.
"Obviously, if we lose it’s over," he said, "but there are still games to play. We have seven league matches left, and those are decisive." He added that despite the pressure, City remain confident and focused on the task ahead. "The target is to perform well, to keep our confidence high, and we are ready," Guardiola affirmed. City will be without defender Rúben Dias, who continues to sit out due to injury, while there were doubts about Nico O'Reilly after a hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge.
Guardiola, however, confirmed that the in‑form full‑back will be available for Sunday’s encounter. Arsenal are chasing their first top‑flight title since the legendary 2003‑04 "Invincibles" season. Throughout the campaign they have faced criticism for a perceived pragmatic style, reliance on set‑pieces, and a lack of flamboyant attacking play.
Guardiola noted the intense scrutiny Arsenal endure: "People are demanding – the media, the supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them, I learn a lot. They want to win and we will fight for it." He also reflected on the psychological aspect of a long title drought. "Twenty‑two years without winning the Premier League is something you cannot fight against.
It gives you a unique motivation. We know how it feels to win for the first time, and that’s why we must stay focused on how we play." City have been formidable at home, losing only one of their fifteen league matches on their own turf this season. Their recent 2‑0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, courtesy of a double from O'Reilly, ended Arsenal’s quadruple ambitions and added extra spice to the upcoming league clash. Guardiola expects Arteta to make tactical tweaks.
"If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we will win," he said, "but I know Mikel a little, they will adjust something and we have to be prepared. Every year they get better and better.
Last season Liverpool were incredible, but this season Arsenal have been the biggest contender." In summary, Arsenal face a decisive test at the Etihad. With Saka ruled out, the decision on whether to start the teenage sensation Max Dowman will hinge on the fitness of Madueke and the overall balance of the squad.
Arteta’s message is unequivocal: Arsenal will go out to win, and they will give everything they have to reclaim a larger lead over their title rivals. The match promises to be a defining moment in the Premier League title race, with both managers aware that a single result could shape the remainder of the season.