Mikel Arteta has been putting his players through their paces in training ahead of Arsenal’s visit to the Etihad Stadium this weekend. Manchester City will host the Gunners on Sunday afternoon as either side hopes to gain an advantage in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal are currently top of the table with 10 games left to play, but Liverpool have just as many points with only a seven-goal difference separating the two teams. Meanwhile, the reigning champions sit third and trail by just one point.
Last season, Manchester City defeated the north London outfit both home and away – which ultimately cost Arsenal the title. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Arteta explained why his side are better prepared this season.
“Yeah it is different,” said the Spaniard. “The momentum is different. We had certain results and big injuries in that moment but those experiences are there to learn.
“Sometimes you just have to clap the opponent and that day it was the case. But we have to learn from it and challenge ourselves to be better.”
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at what you might have missed from Arsenal’s final training sessions at London Colney as they gear up to face Manchester City.
Odegaard leads by example
Martin Odegaard was showing the next generation what it takes to become a regular in Arteta’s first-team. The 25-year-old midfielder was seen duelling with Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the former coming out on top on one occasion.
Ramsdale wheels away in celebration
Aaron Ramsdale scored a late winner in a small-sided game – and he was absolutely delighted with his strike! The 25-year-old goalkeeper has struggled to win back his place in the Arsenal starting lineup after he was replaced by David Raya, so now he might try his luck in the frontline…
White injury hint
Ben White was spotted with significant strapping, suggesting that he’s nursing a knee injury at the moment. The 26-year-old defender was subject to lots of criticism during the international break after it was revealed that he ruled himself out of contention for a place in the England squad.
Despite this, Arteta told reporters on Friday that White has received ‘a lot of love’ since returning to London Colney this week. The severity of White’s potential knee issue remains to be seen, with the strapping likely to just be Kinesiology tape – something which is commonly applied to provide support, reduce pain and swelling.
Jesus and Elneny tumble
Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny were in high spirits. At one stage in training, the duo tumbled over one another and burst out laughing. Arteta will have wanted his players to remain focused this week, but he’ll have been just as pleased to see them relax.
Arteta lays down the law…
While there was plenty of time for fun and games at London Colney, Arteta wasn’t afraid to lay down the law. During one session in particular, the Spaniard was seen barking orders and organising his squad.
