Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Max Dowman is prepared to start for Arsenal if the situation demands it, following the decision to leave Bukayo Saka out of Sunday’s high‑stakes encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad. The 16‑year‑old prodigy has been on the periphery of the first‑team squad this season, and the manager’s remarks suggest he trusts the youngster’s ability to deliver when called upon.
Saka, who has not featured since the Carabao Cup final last month, was confirmed by Arteta as unavailable for the match that Pep Guardiola described as a "final" in the context of the title race. Arsenal’s narrow six‑point lead over City was trimmed after a surprising defeat to Bournemouth, leaving the Gunners with a crucial game to play, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and now with one more fixture on their schedule than their rivals.
While Artetta hopes that winger Noni Madueke will recover from a knee knock sustained in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Sporting, he also emphasized that he would not hesitate to throw 16‑year‑old Dowman into the fray if the need arises. Dowman has already made an impact in his eleven senior appearances this term, 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. "You can drop this kid into any situation and you know the kind of contribution he will make. He has shown, in every game we have used him, that he can handle the pressure." Dowman entered the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting as a 63‑minute substitute for Madueke, and although the England international was seen limping after the game, Arteta remained optimistic about his fitness. "We have another training session tomorrow and it didn’t look too bad after the match," Arteta added.
"He is positive, he pushes through pain, and I hope he can be available – we’ll see how he feels in training." The ongoing absence of Saka is a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options. Alongside the captain, Martin Ødegaard, who is also listed as a doubt, and the recently fit Kai Havertz, the team has had to navigate an injury‑ridden campaign. "He is just starting to do some stuff," Arteta said of Saka, acknowledging the midfielder’s gradual return to full fitness.
"We’ll monitor his progression, but at the moment he is not available." Arteta also dismissed any notion that Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad. He stressed that his side is preparing to win and to reclaim the nine‑point cushion they once held.
"It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one," he explained when asked whether this fixture could be the biggest of his tenure. "We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. If we win on Sunday, it will be against arguably the best team and manager the league has ever seen." He continued, "That is a huge privilege.
We cannot 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 must give everything to secure the victory. We know what we have to do against a strong opponent." On the other side, Pep Guardiola admitted that a loss to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s title hopes.
"Obviously, if we lose it’s over," he said, acknowledging the stakes. Yet he reminded everyone that there are still seven Premier League matches left, and the season’s final stretch can produce unexpected twists. "Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English side in the Champions League and have been the best so far. We want to challenge them," Guardiola added.
Guardiola also highlighted the mental aspect of the game, urging his players to treat the fixture like any other football match and not be distracted by emotions. "The target is to perform well and that is exactly what you have to do," he said, emphasizing confidence and focus. He confirmed that Ruben Dias would continue to miss out, but the in‑form full‑back Nico O’Reilly, who had a hamstring scare at Stamford Bridge, would be available for the showdown. Arsenal, still chasing their first top‑flight crown since the invincible 2003‑04 season, have faced criticism this term for a perceived pragmatic style and a reliance on set‑piece proficiency.
Guardiola noted the pressure surrounding the Gunners, saying, "People are demanding a lot – from the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them.
I learn a lot. People want to win and we will fight." He also reflected on City’s own history, acknowledging the 22‑year wait for a Premier League title and the unique motivation it brings.
"They have something that makes them unique. I knew that feeling when we arrived here. I know how you feel after that first win.
That is something we cannot play against. We have to focus on how we play." City’s home record this season remains impressive, with just one loss in fifteen league matches at the Etihad. They recently halted Arsenal’s quadruple ambitions when O’Reilly’s double secured a 2‑0 victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Guardiola, however, expects Arteta to make tactical adjustments. "If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we will win," he said, adding, "But I know Mikel a little, they will adjust something and we have to be prepared." Both managers recognize the significance of the upcoming clash.
Arsenal will look to capitalize on any opportunity to widen the gap at the top, while City will fight to keep their title hopes alive. The match promises to be a defining moment in the Premier League’s final phase, with both sides aware that every decision on the pitch could shape the ultimate outcome of the season.