Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is fully prepared to start if the situation demands it, after Bukayo Saka was ruled out of Arsenal's upcoming showdown with Manchester City on Sunday. The Arsenal forward has not played since the Carabao Cup final last month, and Arteta made it clear that Saka will not be available for the Etihad encounter, a match that Pep Guardiola has already labeled a "final" in his own words. Arsenal's cushion over City has already shrunk to six points following a surprising defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. The Gunners now travel to Manchester for a live Sky Sports fixture, having played one more game than their rivals.
Arteta hopes that winger Noni Madueke will be fit, despite the player limping off after a knee concern during Wednesday's Champions League second‑leg tie against Sporting CP. Nevertheless, the manager stressed that he would not hesitate to give the 16‑year‑old Dowman a chance if the need arises.
Dowman has already made an impression in his eleven senior outings this season. In March, he became the youngest ever scorer in Premier League history when he netted against Everton at just 16 years and 73 days old. "He will be ready, I'm certain of it," Arteta said at his pre‑match press conference.
"You can drop this kid into any situation and you know exactly what he'll deliver." Why a win in Manchester matters Arsenal are desperate to secure a victory at the Etihad to keep their title hopes alive. A win would not only preserve their six‑point lead but also restore the nine‑point advantage they once enjoyed earlier in the campaign. The club's recent form has been under intense scrutiny, with critics accusing the team of being overly pragmatic and relying too heavily on set‑piece proficiency. A decisive performance against Guardiola's side would silence many of those detractors.
Dowman's recent involvement Dowman entered the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting in the 63rd minute, replacing Madueke. The England youngster was seen limping slightly after the match, but Arteta remained optimistic.
"We have another training session tomorrow and it didn't look too bad after the game," the manager explained. "He stays positive and pushes through pain. I'm hopeful he'll be fit, but we'll see how he feels in training." The broader injury picture Saka's continued absence is a significant blow, but he is not the only Arsenal player dealing with fitness concerns. Captain Martin Ødegaard is also listed as a doubt, while Kai Havertz, who has recently returned to fitness, has endured a season riddled with setbacks.
Arteta summed up the situation by saying, "He is just starting to do some stuff. Let's see that progression and how quickly we can go through.
At the moment, he is not available." Arteta's tactical stance When asked whether Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad, Arteta dismissed the idea outright. "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.
With the possibility to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen, 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 go and win it. We know what we have to do against a strong opponent." Guardiola's perspective Pep Guardiola admitted that a loss to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City's Premier League title bid. "Obviously, if we lose it's over," he said, acknowledging the high stakes of the fixture.
However, he also reminded fans that there are still seven league games left for City, meaning the season could still produce unexpected twists. "Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League and they have been the best so far. We want to challenge them," Guardiola added.
He also addressed the psychological aspect of the contest, urging his players to treat the match as a simple football game and not let emotions cloud their focus. "The target is to perform well and that is exactly what you have to do," he emphasized. Guardiola confirmed that full‑back Nico O'Reilly, who had been hampered by a hamstring injury at Stamford Bridge, would be available, while Ruben Dias remains sidelined. Historical context Arsenal are chasing their first top‑flight crown since the legendary 2003‑04 "Invincibles" season.
Over the past two decades, the club has faced criticism for lacking the excitement of earlier eras and for relying heavily on set‑piece situations. Guardiola noted this pressure, saying, "People are so demanding—from the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them.
I learn a lot in many things. People want to win and we'll fight." He also referenced Arsenal's long wait for a Premier League title, noting that 22 years without the league trophy is a unique burden. "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," Guardiola explained. Looking ahead City have been formidable at home, losing just one of their fifteen league matches on their own turf this season. They recently halted Arsenal's quadruple ambitions when O'Reilly scored twice in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Despite that setback, Guardiola expects Arteta to make adjustments, as he knows Mikel Arteta well and anticipates tactical tweaks from the Arsenal boss. "If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we are going to win," Guardiola said. "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. Last season, Liverpool were incredible but the previous one and this season, Arsenal have been the biggest contender." In summary, Arsenal head into the Etihad with a clear mission: win at all costs, keep their title lead intact, and possibly give a teenage prodigy his first start in a high‑pressure Premier League clash. Whether Dowman will be thrust into the starting XI remains to be seen, but Arteta's confidence suggests that the young striker is more than ready to seize the moment if called upon.