The fixtures slated for Sunday carry immense significance in the ongoing season, with Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions facing off against the league-leading Anfield side, while Arsenal squares up against Brentford. For Mikel Arteta’s squad, securing a victory against Brentford coupled with a draw between Liverpool and Manchester City could propel Arsenal to the top of the table, leveraging goal difference as a crucial factor.
Arsenal’s recent dominant performance against Sheffield United, where they notched six goals, substantially bolstered their goal difference to +45, surpassing both Liverpool’s +39 and City’s +35. Such disparities in goal differences could prove pivotal as the season unfolds.
However, Arsenal’s triumph at Bramall Lane wasn’t devoid of potential setbacks, as both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were forced off the field early due to apparent injuries. Arteta, however, reassured fans that neither issue seems severe. “Bukayo wasn’t feeling well and wasn’t quite himself, so we decided to substitute him and bring Fabio in,” Arteta explained in an interview with Sky Sports (via Liverpool World). “As for Gabi, it’s just a minor cut. He got tackled and suffered a slight cut. We will monitor his condition.”
Following their upcoming Champions League fixture against Porto, Arsenal will enjoy an extended break due to Chelsea’s FA Cup participation. Their subsequent clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium looms large, and Arteta will undoubtedly lean on his key players to perform at their peak to sustain their title aspirations.
In summary, the forthcoming fixtures represent a pivotal moment in the season for Arsenal, as they aim to capitalize on any opportunities to solidify their position at the summit of the table and draw closer to the title contention.
