football | Tuesday, April 25, 2023 3:27 PM (Revised at: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 3:28 PM)

Mikael Silvestre previews Manchester City vs Arsenal

Devang Prasad

Mikael Silvestre previews Manchester City vs Arsenal

The recent downturn in form for Arsenal has surprised their fans. They have lost six points in their previous three matches, including two games where they were leading. Wednesday’s match against Manchester City was initially seen as a possible title decider, and it seems that it will indeed have that significance. Manchester City has two games in hand over Arsenal and aims to reduce the five-point gap. Mikael Silvestre, a former Arsenal defender, thinks that the match’s significance has only increased due to its late-April scheduling.

In this article:

Timing of the fixture heightens the importance of winning
Arsenal not the same without Saliba
KDB vs Odegaard
Grealish vs White

Timing of the fixture heightens the importance of winning

“If there is a winner of the game, I think the winner will be a massive favourite for the title because of the importance, the timing and the points a victory will give.”

“Obviously the team that is going to lose, will be really disappointed, which can affect the title race a lot.”

Arsenal not the same without Saliba

The lower back injury sustained to centre half William Saliba has massively derailed Arsenal’s season. They have started to leak goals at a worrying rate, with his stand in Rob Holding not deputising to the level may be needed. Next up is City and goal scoring machine Erling Haaland. Silvestre was full of praise for Saliba and claims his absence is a bigger loss than many had anticipated.

“Arsenal has had a very good record with William Saliba in the team and the solidity is clearly not the same without him.”

“They will be conceding more goals when he is not playing. He has proven to be a bigger miss than a lot of people thought.”

“He reads the game very well and it’s a shame for Arsenal that he is injured.”

KDB vs Odegaard

An interesting duel is going on in this match with Martin Odegaard and Kevin De Bruyne on each of their teams. Both players are the creative hubs of their respective side and will have a huge impact on this vital game for both sides. Silvestre claims the key to either side winning will be decided by City and Arsenal’s ability to put the shackles on the midfielders.

“Whichever team is capable of stopping De Bruyne or Odegaard from being the playmakers they like to be will have a great chance of winning.”

“Both of them have so much talent and awareness and for sure it will be a key moment in the game.”

Grealish vs White

Jack Grealish has been in really good form recently. After a difficult first season under Pep, Grealish has truly found his feet in the Manchester City side. Grealish will find himself up against Arsenal defender Ben White in Wednesday’s clash. White has shone in his right back/centre back role which is decided by when Arsenal do and don’t have possession of the ball. Silvestre suggests the best way to negate Grealish is to force the winger outside and make him use his left foot.

“It will be a very difficult task for Ben White to stop Jack Grealish, who is playing his best football ever for Man City.”

“Ben White needs to force him to go on the outside and make him use his weak foot but Grealish will always find a way.”

“He needs to get close to him before he is getting momentum and are going to dribble and win freekicks.”

“Grealish is full of confidence and at the moment he is succeeding no matter what he is trying, so it will be a very important game in the game for Arsenal and Ben White to stop him.”