Mikel Arturian confidence in Max Dowman has surged following Bukayo Saka’s exclusion from Arsenal’s upcoming showdown with Manchester City. The Arsenal manager confirmed that the England winger, who has not played since the Carabao Cup final last month, will miss Sunday’s match at the Etihad, a fixture that Pep Guardiola has already labelled a "final" in the title race.
Arsenal’s cushion over City has already shrunk to six points after a surprising loss to Bournemouth last weekend, and the Gunners now travel to Manchester having played one more game than their rivals. Arteta has hinted that Noni Madueke could be fit despite a knee issue sustained in Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Sporting, but he also made it clear that the 16‑year‑old prodigy Dowman is ready to be thrust into the fray if circumstances demand.
Dowman has already made an impact in his eleven senior appearances this season, most notably becoming the youngest ever Premier League scorer when he found the net against Everton in March at just 16 years and 73 days old. "He will be ready, I am sure of it," Arteta told reporters after the press conference. "Throw him into any situation and you know exactly what you’ll get from him." The Arsenal faithful have been treated to a remarkable debut season from the teenager, who has shown a composure and finishing ability far beyond his years. His goal against Everton was a clinical strike that underscored his knack for finding space in tight areas, and his subsequent performances have demonstrated a willingness to work hard off the ball, pressing defenders and tracking back when required.
In the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting, Dowman entered the match in the 63rd minute as a replacement for Madueke, who limped off shortly after. The young forward managed to hold his own against seasoned European opposition, prompting Arteta to comment that the player’s attitude after the game was "quite positive" and that he "pushes through pain". "We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the game," the manager added, indicating that Dowman’s fitness levels remain high. Saka’s ongoing injury problems remain a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options.
The winger has missed a substantial portion of the campaign, and his continued absence forces Arteta to reshuffle his line‑up. Alongside Saka, captain Martin Ødegaard has also been listed as a doubtful figure for the Man City clash, while the recently recovered Kai Havertz is back in contention after a spell on the sidelines.
Arteta rejected any notion that Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad. "It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one," he said when asked whether this match could be the biggest of his tenure at the club. "We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging.
If we win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen, that would be a huge privilege. We will not spend a second thinking about playing for a draw – we prepare every game to win, and that is why we are where we are." Across town, Pep Guardiola admitted that a defeat to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s Premier League title bid. "Obviously, if we lose it’s over," the Spanish manager said, acknowledging the high stakes of the encounter. Yet he also reminded everyone that there are still several games left in the season, and City must remain focused.
"There are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment," Guardiola added. Guardiola also addressed the fitness concerns surrounding his own squad.
Ruben Dias continues to be unavailable, while there were doubts about Nico O'Reilly after a hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge. However, the manager confirmed that the in‑form full‑back would be fit for Sunday’s match. Both managers recognize the historic weight of this fixture.
Arsenal are chasing their first top‑flight crown since the invincible 2003‑04 season, while City are looking to cement their dominance after a season in which they have lost just one of fifteen home league games. Guardiola noted the pressure from media and supporters, saying, "People are so demanding. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things.
People want to win and we’ll fight." He also reflected on Arsenal’s long‑standing Premier League drought, stating, "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." In the broader context, City’s recent victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final – a 2‑0 win sealed by O'Reilly’s double – ended the Gunners’ quadruple aspirations and added another layer of intensity to the upcoming league clash.
Guardiola expects Arteta to make tactical tweaks, acknowledging the constant evolution of Arsenal’s approach. "If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we are going to win," he said, before adding, "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." With the title race hanging in the balance, both sides will be looking to impose their philosophy. Arsenal will likely rely on the youthful exuberance of players like Dowman and Madueke, while City will count on the experience of Guardiola’s seasoned core.
The outcome of this match could very well decide whether Arsenal can close the nine‑point gap and reclaim the Premier League throne, or whether City will maintain their grip and continue their march toward another championship. The stage is set, the fans are ready, and the players know that every minute will be scrutinised.
In the end, it will be a test of preparation, resilience, and the ability to seize a crucial moment in one of the most compelling title battles in recent memory.