Mikel Arteta confirmed that Max Dowman is fully prepared to start if the situation demands it, after Arsenal ruled out Bukayo Saka for Sunday’s decisive encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Saka has not featured since the Carabao Cup final a month ago, and the Arsenal boss made it clear that the winger will not be available for a match that Pep Guardiola described as a "final" in the title race. Arsenal’s cushion over City was trimmed to six points following a disappointing loss to Bournemouth last weekend. The Gunners now travel to Manchester for a high‑stakes showdown that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, having played one more league game than their rivals.
Arteta also expressed hope that Noni Madueke will be fit, despite the winger limping off with an apparent knee issue in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Sporting CP. Nevertheless, the manager said he would not hesitate to give the 16‑year‑old Dowman a chance if the need arises. Dowman has already made an impact in his eleven senior appearances this season, 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. "You throw him into any situation, this kid, 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." The teenager entered the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting in the 63rd minute as a replacement for Madueke and was seen walking off with a limp.
Arteta later reassured fans that the young forward had a training session the following day and appeared to be in good condition. "He is positive, he pushes through pain, and I am hopeful he can be available. We will see how he feels after tomorrow’s training," the manager added. Saka’s ongoing absence remains a major blow for Arsenal.
Alongside the captain, Martin Ødegaard, who is also listed as a doubt, the team has been forced to cope with a series of injuries throughout the campaign. "He is just starting to do some things," Arteta said of Saka. "We will watch his progression and see how quickly he can get back.
At the moment, he is not available." When asked whether Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad, Arteta dismissed the idea outright. "It is certainly the most important game because it is the next one," he said, emphasizing that his side is preparing to win, not merely to avoid defeat.
"We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. If we can win on Sunday, it will be against arguably the best team and manager in the league. That is a huge privilege.
We cannot spend a second thinking about playing for a draw. We prepare every match 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, meanwhile, acknowledged that a loss to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s bid for the Premier League crown. "Obviously, if we lose it’s over," he said, but added that there are still several games left in the season and anything can happen.
Guardiola noted that City have seven league fixtures remaining, which will be crucial in determining the final standings. He also praised Arsenal, calling them the only English side still in the Champions League and the best team they have faced so far. "I told the players it is just a football game and we must approach it as such.
If you get distracted by emotions you lose focus. Our target is to perform well, and we have the confidence to challenge a team like Arsenal." City’s defensive stalwart Ruben Dias continues to be sidelined, while there were doubts about Nico O’Reilly after a hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola, however, confirmed that the in‑form full‑back will be available for the Sunday clash.
Arsenal, chasing their first top‑flight title since the legendary 2003‑04 season, have faced criticism this campaign for a pragmatic style that leans heavily on set‑piece proficiency. Guardiola addressed the scrutiny, saying, "People are demanding a lot – from the media, supporters, everyone.
I enjoy the pressure; it teaches you a lot. What they want is to win, and we will fight for that." He also reflected on Arsenal’s long wait for a league trophy, noting the psychological edge that comes with breaking a 22‑year drought.
"They have something unique about them. I felt that when we arrived here.
I know how it feels to win that first title. That is something we cannot play against; we must focus on our own game." City have been formidable at home, losing only one of fifteen league matches on their own turf this season.
They halted Arsenal’s quadruple aspirations four weeks ago when O’Reilly’s double secured a 2‑0 victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Guardiola expects Arteta, his former assistant, to make tactical tweaks.
"If we play the same way 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 ready.
Every year they get better. Last season Liverpool were incredible, but this season Arsenal have been the biggest contender." In summary, Arsenal head into Sunday’s match with a clear plan: aim for victory, rely on the depth of their squad, and trust in the readiness of young talents like Max Dowman. Whether the teenager will start or come off the bench, Arteta’s confidence suggests he will be given the chance to prove himself on one of the biggest stages of the season. The outcome will not only influence the title race but also shape the narrative of Arsenal’s long‑awaited quest to reclaim the Premier League crown.