All Three Points! Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal mindset for Man City game

Mikel Arteta has insist that Arsenal aim to win their mouthwatering Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday rather than secure a draw.

Arsenal will head to the Etihad guarding a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side, and avoiding defeat could prove pivotal in their quest for a first league title in 22 years.

The Gunners were stunned by Bournemouth last weekend as their shocking loss handed Manchester City some momentum. Pep Guardiola’s team followed their rivals’ loss against the Cherries with a thumping 3-0 victory at Chelsea.

With a positive result needed against Man City, Arteta was asked if he could be tempted to play just for a point in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.

Mikel Arteta is prepared to win all three points against Manchester City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

However, the Spanish tactician said: “I’m not going to spend one second talking about that.

“We prepare every game to win. That’s why we are where we are and we’re going to continue to do the same.

“We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging for the title, and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen.

“That’s a huge privilege, and we can’t wait to play, and we’re going to prepare the game to win it, that’s for sure.”

Guardiola claimed that City’s championship challenge would be over if they lose against Arteta. Asked about Guardiola’s comments, Arteta added: “There are six games to go. It’s a really important one for both teams, and it (a win for Arsenal) will incline the balance a little bit.

“I mean winning at this stage you are a bit closer. If we win the first game in the semi-final of the Champions League we’re going to be closer. That’s why it is clear we want to win the game on Sunday.”

The last meeting between the sides at the Etihad in September 2024 ended in explosive fashion, with Erling Haaland launching a ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel’s head before telling Arteta to “stay humble” as players and staff from both sides clashed at the full-time whistle.

Asked if he ever got to the bottom of Haaland’s comments, Arteta replied: “No.” He added with a smile: “That’s one of the nicest things that you can get told.

“It’s obviously an extremely competitive match between top sides that are looking to win the Premier League. It doesn’t get better than that and that competition for sure is going to be seen on the pitch.”

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka who is still battling with an Achilles injury.

While Man City have picked up their form in recent weeks, Arsenal have won just once across their previous five games.