Key Battles: The players to watch on Saturday
When Arsenal last played Manchester City, the Citizens were at the summit of the Premier League and Arsène Wenger’s men were seventh. A late Cesc Fabregas pile-driver on that day ensured three points for the Gunners and, while City have yet to find consistency, Arsenal are mounting a serious title bid. At home though, Sven Goran Eriksson’s men are yet to lose in the Premier League. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for each Premier League game and bringing you all the statistics and information a fan could need. Swot up now and come Sunday you'll be impressing anyone who'll listen with your new-found knowledge.
Martin Petrov v Bacary Sagna
Of all those who arrived alongside Sven Goran Eriksson at the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer, Martin Petrov has arguably been the most successful. While others lit up the early part of the season with a sprinkling of fine performances, the Bulgarian international has been consistently top-class. Registering eight assists, his direct approach and blistering pace strikes fear into opposing defenders and with seemingly scalpel-sharp accuracy when crossing, Petrov will need to be kept on a tight rein. The 29-year old can often neglect his defensive duties, a fact shown by the fact he has made just five clearances and just 13 tackles. Another new face to the Premier League, Bacary Sagna, has taken to the domestic scene like a duck to water. A tough but always well-timed approach to tackling, the Frenchman can often neuter the threat of a winger early in the game. He has made 21 tackles and averted danger an equally impressive 34 times. In the modern mould of a right-back, Sagna instantly tuned into the free-flowing Arsenal style and can help unhinge any defence. Stopped just four times when running with the ball, the 24-year-old has also registered three assists this term.
Key Battle
Richard Dunne v Eduardo
An explosive end to 2007 cast aside any lingering doubts over Eduardo’s ability to settle in north London. A stunning, match-changing brace against Everton is arguably the highlight so far, and although the goals have not come in recent weeks his impact has been considerable. Showing both slight of foot and power to boot, the Croatian international has played the decisive pass to a teammate four times, but his strength on the ball means he has only failed to complete a dribble on three occasions. Signed as a proven scorer, the Brazilian-born striker’s keen eye for goal has been underlined by 15 shots at goal with six on target. Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent seasons. Disciplinary issues in 2003 led to a club suspension but after an intensive fitness program he returned to the side and has not looked back, winning Player of the Year three consecutive times. Alongside Micah Richards this season, the 28-year-old has been imperious - 39 clearances and just eight tackles lost demonstrates his commendable attitude. Putting his body on the line 18 times simply reinforces that point. Although yet to score, the former Everton man is a danger from set plays.
Key Battle
Joe Hart v Manuel Almunia
Joe Hart has been a revelation for City this season. The young stopper spent the tail-end of last season on loan at Blackpool and was used sparingly in the first few weeks of the season. However he was called upon against Newcastle in late September and has retained his spot ever since. An England Under-21 player, Hart was touted as "one of the biggest talents in this country as a goalkeeper" by Eriksson. He has kept an impressive five clean sheets since becoming a first-team regular and made a staggering 82 saves. His distribution is fairly direct too — he has found a City player 90 times out of 141. Manuel Almunia’s growth shows no signs of slowing; in 2008 he has conceded just one goal. The Spaniard’s status as a top goalkeeper is all but assured after a run in the side that stretches back to early September. In 22 appearances he has been beaten just 15 times, keeping 10 shut-outs. Quick and dynamic, Almunia’s sharpness when rushing out means he rarely gets it wrong when confronting opponents. Just 73 of his 230 kicks have failed to find a fellow Gunner.
