Mikel Arteta confirmed that Max Dowman is fully prepared to start for Arsenal if the situation demands it, following the decision to rule Bukayo Saka out of Sunday’s pivotal encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad. The Arsenal manager explained that Saka, who has not featured since the Carabao Cup final last month, will not be available for what Pep Guardiola described as a "final" in the title race. Arsenal entered the match with a six‑point lead over City after a surprising loss to Bournemouth the previous weekend.
The two sides will meet live on Sky Sports, with Arsenal having played one more league game than their rivals. Arteta also hopes that winger Noni Madueke will recover from a suspected knee injury sustained in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Sporting, but he stressed that he will not hesitate to give the 16‑year‑old Dowman a chance if needed. Dowman has already made an impression in his eleven senior appearances this season, notably becoming the youngest ever scorer in Premier League history when he netted 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 what he will deliver. He has shown his quality in every game we have used him." The teenager came on for Madueke in the 63rd minute of the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting, and although the England international appeared to limp after the substitution, Arteta remained optimistic about his fitness. "We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the game," the manager added.
"He is positive, he pushes through pain, and I hope he can be available, but we will see how he feels in training." Saka’s continued absence is a significant blow for Arsenal, especially as the club also deals with other injury concerns. Captain Martin Ødegaard, who also carries a niggle, and the recently fit Kai Havertz have both endured a season marred by fitness setbacks. "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 dismissed the notion outright.
He emphasized that the team is being prepared to win and to restore their nine‑point cushion over City. "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. If we can win on Sunday, it would be against arguably the best team and manager this league has ever seen." Arteta continued, "That is a huge privilege. We cannot waste a second thinking about a draw. Every match we prepare for is to win, and that is why we are where we are.
We will do the same. Our team has to give everything to win. We have a strong opponent in front of us, and we know what we have to do." Pep Guardiola echoed the high stakes from the City side.
He admitted that a defeat to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes, although he reminded everyone that there were still several games left in the campaign. "Obviously, if we lose it’s over," Guardiola said.
"But we still have seven games to play, and that is the decisive period." The Spanish manager also praised Arsenal’s recent form, noting that they are the only English side still in the Champions League and have been the most impressive domestic side so far. He urged his players to treat the match as a straightforward football game, warning against letting emotions distract them. "The target is to perform well and that is exactly what you have to do," Guardiola added.
"All the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal are there, the confidence is good, we are ready." City will be without Ruben Dias, who remains sidelined, but Guardiola confirmed that full‑back Nico O’Reilly, who suffered a hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge, is expected to be fit. He also hinted that Arteta will likely make tactical tweaks, as both managers are familiar with each other's preferences.
"If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we will win," Guardiola said. "But I know Mikel a little, they will adjust something and we have to be prepared." Arsenal, chasing their first top‑flight title since the 2003‑04 "Invincibles" season, have faced criticism this term for a perceived pragmatic approach, relying heavily on set‑pieces and defensive solidity. Guardiola acknowledged the pressure surrounding City’s long title drought, saying, "People are demanding a lot – media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching it, I learn a lot.
They want to win and we will fight." City’s home record remains impressive, having lost only one of fifteen league games at the Etihad this season. They ended Arsenal’s quadruple hopes four weeks ago when O’Reilly’s brace secured a 2‑0 Carabao Cup final victory at Wembley.
Despite that, Guardiola respects Arteta’s side, noting that Arsenal have become the biggest contender after Liverpool’s surge last season. In summary, both managers recognize the magnitude of the upcoming clash. Arteta is ready to trust a teenage prodigy if injuries force his hand, while Guardiola is prepared to adjust his tactics to counter Arsenal’s evolving strengths.
The match promises to be a defining moment in the Premier League title race, with the outcome likely to shape the narrative for the remainder of the season.