- Key selections raise talking points
- Noticeable contrast between the two sides
- One area stands out more than the rest
talkSPORT’s combined XI between Manchester City and Arsenal has revealed a clear divide between the two sides.
Manchester City face Arsenal this afternoon in a possible title-decider clash. With one game in hand and no title pressure, Guardiola’s men are in a comparatively comfortable position.
While Mikel Arteta has become tactically structured, his master has diverged into a more adaptive ideology over the years.
The difference clearly shows when talkSPORT picked their combined XI before the clash this afternoon, as both sides dominated in different areas of the game.
talkSPORT’s Man City vs Arsenal combined XI
During an episode of The Takedown, a show by talkSPORT, the hosts couldn’t miss out on setting out their combined XI before the Man City vs Arsenal clash.
David Raya made the posts for talkSPORT. Arsenal players dominated the back four selection, with only one defender coming from City’s squad.
Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Nico O’Reilly were the preferred defensive line. Declan Rice also made defensive midfield.
However, things changed quickly when the attacking selections were listed. Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki were in the advanced midfield role.
Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku made talkSPORT’s combined XI frontline.
Recent shift in performance
While the Gunners might’ve conceded four fewer goals than the Citizens throughout the Premier League season, recent reality has shifted.
The Sky Blues have three clean sheets in their last five games. Arteta’s men, on the other hand, have managed one less.
Arsenal have also conceded six goals in their last five games, while City have managed to concede only two.
City still dominate attack
Fans might assume that an improvement in defence might have seen some drop in attacking output. However, that is not the case.
The Sky Blues are stronger than ever, with 11 goals in their last five games. The Gunners have only scored three in their last five outings.
Arsenal also lags in attacking when it comes to overall league numbers. City have an xG of 57.6 while their title rivals are at 55.0.
Guardiola’s men also have more shots on target per match (5.3) and four more big chances created in the Premier League than Arsenal.
