Mikel Arteta says Max Dorman is “ready” to start if needed after Bukayo Saka was ruled out for Sunday’s game against Manchester City.
Saka has not featured since last month’s Carabao Cup final and Arteta confirmed he will be unavailable at the Etihad Stadium in what manager Josep Guardiola described as a “final” match.
Arsenal will play their title rivals, who have played one more game after losing to Bournemouth last weekend, reducing the gap to Manchester City to six points, and will take on their title rivals live on Sky Sports.
Arteta wants to use Noni Madueke despite the winger suffering an apparent knee injury in Wednesday’s meeting with Sporting, but insisted he would not hesitate to use 16-year-old Dauman.
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Watch Max Dauman’s record-breaking goal against Everton
Dauman has impressed in 11 first-team appearances this season, becoming the youngest Premier League goalscorer in March when he scored against Everton at the age of 16 years and 73 days.
“I’m sure he’s ready,” Arteta told a press conference.
“You can throw him into any situation and you know what this kid is going to bring.
“He’s shown that in every game we’ve used him this season.”
Dauman replaced Maduke in the 63rd minute in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, but the England international was seen limping afterwards.
Sunday, April 19th 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
“We have another practice tomorrow, but he didn’t seem to be feeling too bad after the game,” Arteta added.
“He’s a very positive player and he works through the pain.
“I hope he’s available, but we’ll see if he can train.”
Either way, Saka’s continued absence is a blow. He has endured an injury-hit season, as has captain Martin Odegaard, who is again an injury doubt against City, and Kai Havertz, who is fit again.
“He’s only just started something,” Arteta said. “Let’s see how it goes and see how quickly we can get over it. At the moment, he is unavailable.”
Arteta: “We always play to win”
Arteta has rejected suggestions that Arsenal could play a draw at the Etihad Stadium, insisting his side are preparing to win and regain a nine-point lead.
Asked if he viewed this game as the biggest game of his time at Arsenal, he said: “It’s definitely the most important game because it’s the next one.”
“We’ve earned the right to be in this position and have a shot, and we have a chance to win on Sunday against probably the best team and manager in the history of this league.
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Can Arsenal win Sunday’s title decider against Manchester City? They have a history…
“It’s a great honor. We can’t wait to play and we’ll prepare to win. We think it’s a big opportunity for us.”
“We’re not going to spend a second thinking about that (playing for a draw). We’re preparing to win every game and that’s why we’re where we are. We’re going to do the same.”
“Our team has to do everything possible to win. We have a strong opponent in front of us. We know what we have to do.”
Guardiola: ‘If Man City lose to Arsenal, the title race will be over’
Meanwhile, manager Josep Guardiola has accepted that Manchester City’s bid to win the Premier League title will be over if they lose to Arsenal in Sunday’s showdown between the top two teams.
The Spaniard added that a win for Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would end City’s title challenge, but with six games remaining there could still be twists and turns.
Coach Guardiola said, “Of course, if we lose, it’s over.” “But there are still games left. The reality is there are seven games left in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment.”
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Manager Josep Guardiola admitted Manchester City’s chances of winning the title are “over” if they lose to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
“Maybe they’re not at their best, but they’re the only English team in the Champions League and they’re the best team so far. We want to challenge them.
“I told the players today: This is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game. When you get distracted by emotions, you lose focus.”
“The aim is to perform well and that’s exactly what you have to do, all the aspects you need to take on a team like Arsenal. I’m full of confidence and I’m ready.”
Pep: Arsenal are getting better every year
Ruben Dias continues to miss the game against City and there were doubts over Nico O’Reilly, who limped off at Stamford Bridge with a hamstring problem, but Guardiola made it clear the in-form full-back will be available.
Arsenal, aiming to win the top flight for the first time since 2003-04, have been plagued by criticism this season for being more pragmatic than excited and relying on set-piece technique.
“People are very demanding,” Guardiola said. “The media, the supporters, everyone. It’s fun to watch them. You learn a lot. What people want is to win, and we’ll fight.”
“The really, really important aspect that we can’t compete with is we haven’t won the Premier League for 22 years, they have something that makes them unique.
“We knew that feeling from the moment we came here. I know how it feels to win for the first time. We can’t compete with that. That’s why we have to focus on our play.”
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Highlights of the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City.
City, who have lost just one of their 15 home league games this season, ended Arsenal’s quadruple bid four weeks ago as O’Reilly’s double sealed a 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
But Guardiola is hoping his opposite number and former City assistant Arteta can make some changes.
Guardiola added: “If we play like we played for 95 minutes and play the way they did, we will win.” “But I know Mikel a little bit, they are going to adjust something and we have to be ready.
“Every year they get better and better. Liverpool were great last season, but Arsenal were the biggest favorites the season before that and this season.”
