Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is fully prepared to step onto the pitch if the situation demands it, after Arsenal manager ruled out Bukayo Saka for the upcoming showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Saka, who has not featured since the Carabao Cup final last month, will be unavailable for what Pep Guardiola has described as a "final" – a match that could effectively decide the Premier League title. Arsenal entered the fixture with a six‑point lead over City, a margin that was narrowed after a surprising defeat to Bournemouth the previous weekend. The Gunners now face their chief rivals on live Sky Sports, having played one more league game than their opponents.
Arteta hopes to have winger Noni Madueke fit for the encounter, despite the player suffering an apparent knee issue during Wednesday’s Champions League second‑leg clash with Sporting CP. Nevertheless, the manager made it clear that he would not hesitate to call upon the 16‑year‑old Dowman if the need arose.
Dowman has already made a strong impression this season, featuring in 11 senior matches and 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 delivers what you expect. He has shown his quality in every game we have used him this campaign." The teenager was brought on for Madueke in the 63rd minute of the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting. Although Madueke appeared to limp after being substituted, Arteta remained optimistic about his recovery, noting that the player looked positive in the subsequent training session. "He pushes through pain and stays positive," Arteta said.
"We hope he can train tomorrow, but we will see." Saka’s ongoing absence remains a significant blow to Arsenal’s attacking options. Like captain Martin Ødegaard, the English international has struggled with injuries throughout the season, and his continued unavailability forces Arteta to rely on other young talents. "He is just starting to do some things," Arteta admitted. "We will monitor his progression, but at the moment he is not available." When asked whether Arsenal might settle for a draw at the Etihad, Arteta dismissed the notion outright.
"We are preparing to win, not to settle for a point," he declared. "This is the most important game right now.
We have earned the right to be where we are – challenging for the title against arguably the best team and manager in the league. It is a huge privilege, and we will not waste a second thinking about a draw. Every match we approach with the intention to win, and that is why we are in this position." Pep Guardiola, on the other side, acknowledged that a loss to Arsenal would effectively end Manchester City’s title hopes.
"If we lose, it’s over for us," the Spaniard said, while also noting that there are still several games left in the season that could change the dynamics. He emphasized the need for focus and composure, warning his players not to let emotions distract them. "It’s just a football game; we must treat it as such. The confidence is there, we are ready." City will be without defender Rúben Dias, who continues to miss matches, but Guardiola confirmed that full‑back Nico O’Reilly, who had a hamstring scare at Stamford Bridge, should be fit for the clash.
The manager also reflected on the pressure surrounding Arsenal, who have not won the Premier League since the 2003‑04 "Invincibles" season. "People are demanding a lot – media, supporters, everyone. They want to win, and we will fight.
The fact that Arsenal have gone 22 years without a league title is a huge psychological factor for them. We respect that, but we will focus on our own game." Arsenal’s recent form has been scrutinised, with critics accusing the side of being overly pragmatic and relying heavily on set‑piece proficiency. Nevertheless, Arteta’s side has shown resilience, and the manager hinted at possible tactical tweaks to counter City’s strengths.
"If we play the way we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we will win," Guardiola said, adding that he expects Arteta to make adjustments. "Every year they get better.
Last season Liverpool were strong, but this season Arsenal have emerged as the biggest contender." The stakes are clear: a victory for Arsenal would widen their lead and bring them one step closer to ending a 22‑year Premier League drought, while a defeat could see City close the gap and keep the title race alive. Both managers understand the magnitude of the encounter, and both have stressed the importance of preparation, focus, and a winning mentality. In summary, Arteta has placed his trust in the young Max Dowman, who is ready to be thrust into the spotlight if needed, while also hoping that Noni Madueke recovers in time.
The Gunners aim to approach the match with an attacking intent, refusing to settle for anything less than a win. Meanwhile, Guardiola knows that a loss would be catastrophic for City’s title hopes, but remains confident that his squad can still respond in the remaining fixtures. The upcoming Sunday clash promises to be a defining moment in the Premier League title race, with both sides poised to give their all in what could be a historic encounter.