Mikel Arturian confidence in Max Dowman has surged after he confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad. Arteta, who has been closely monitoring the teenager’s development, said the 16‑year‑old is "ready" to be thrown into the fray if the situation demands it. Saka’s injury woes have kept him out of the squad since the Carabao Cup final last month, and the Arsenal boss made it clear that the winger will not travel to Manchester for a match that Pep Guardiola has already labelled a "final" in the title race. The Gunners entered the weekend with a six‑point cushion over City after a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth, and the upcoming clash will be the first test of their resolve with both sides having played an extra league game.
While Arteta hopes that winger Noni Madueke will recover from a knee knock sustained in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting, he also stressed that there is no hesitation to call on the prodigious Dowman if the 16‑year‑old is fit. The youngster has already made an impact this season, featuring in eleven senior matches and becoming the youngest ever Premier League scorer 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. "You can drop him into any situation and you know exactly what he will deliver.
He has shown, in every game we have used him, that he can rise to the occasion." Dowman entered the Champions League tie against Sporting as a 63‑minute substitute for Madueke, and although the England international limped off after the match, the teenager appeared unharmed. Arteta added, "We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the game.
He is positive, he pushes through pain, and I am hopeful he can be available, but we will see how he feels in training." The continued sidelining of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options. Alongside the captain, Martin Ødegaard, who also carries a niggling injury, the team has had to cope with a series of fitness setbacks throughout the campaign. Arteta acknowledged the challenge, saying, "He is just starting to do some stuff.
Let’s see his progression and how quickly we can get him back. At the moment, he is not available." Despite the injury concerns, Arteta dismissed any notion that Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad.
He emphasized that the team is being prepared to win and to reclaim the nine‑point lead they once held. "It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one," he said when asked whether this could be the biggest fixture of his tenure. "We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. The possibility of winning on Sunday, against arguably the best team and manager in the league, is a huge privilege.
We will not waste a second thinking about a draw. Every game we prepare to win, and that is why we are where we are. Our team must bring every tool we have to secure a victory against a strong opponent." Pep Guardiola, on the other side of the pitch, admitted that a loss to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s title bid.
He warned that with only half a dozen games remaining, the pressure will be immense. "Obviously, if we lose it’s over," Guardiola said. "But we still have seven games left in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment." Guardiola also highlighted the psychological edge City enjoys as the only English club still in the Champions League, noting that they have been the best side in Europe this season. He urged his players to treat the encounter as a straightforward football match, warning against letting emotions distract them.
"The target is to perform well and that is exactly what you have to do," he added. "We are ready, confident, and we will challenge Arsenal on all fronts." City will be without Ruben Dias, who continues to sit out, while there were doubts about Nico O’Reilly after a hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge.
Guardiola confirmed that the in‑form full‑back should be available for Sunday’s match. Arsenal, chasing their first top‑flight title since the invincible 2003‑04 season, have faced criticism this campaign for a perceived pragmatic style and an over‑reliance on set‑pieces. Guardiola remarked on the relentless scrutiny the Gunners endure: "People are demanding – media, supporters, everyone.
I enjoy watching them, I learn a lot. They want to win and we will fight." He also reflected on the psychological barrier of a 22‑year wait for a Premier League crown, saying, "They have something unique about them. I felt that when we arrived here.
I know how you feel after the first win – that’s something we cannot play against. We have to focus on how we play." City have been formidable at home, losing only one of fifteen league matches on their own turf this season. They ended Arsenal’s quadruple hopes four weeks ago when O’Reilly’s double secured a 2‑0 victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Guardiola expects Arteta to make tactical tweaks, noting, "If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we will win.
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’s upcoming clash with Manchester City is set to be a defining moment in the Premier League title race. With Saka unavailable, the spotlight shifts to the teenage prodigy Max Dowman, whose readiness and composure could be decisive. Arteta’s unwavering belief in his squad’s ability to win, coupled with Guardiola’s acknowledgement of the high stakes, promises a thrilling encounter that could reshape the league standings. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and fans worldwide will be watching to see whether the Gunners can seize the momentum and keep their championship aspirations alive.