Half of the main players are injured! Manchester City's situation against Arsenal is grim, and Guardiola may be forced to "relive"
On March 31, Beijing time, the 29th round of the English Premier League will stage a strong dialogue, with the defending champion Manchester City hosting the visiting leader Arsenal. This game is likely to decide the Premier League title this season. However, before the big game, Manchester City's situation was not optimistic, half of their main team were injured, and Guardiola's line-up encountered great difficulties.
Manchester City suffered losses during the international break, with captains Kyle Walker and John Stones injured in England's two warm-up games, while another key centre-back, Akanji, also suffered an injury for Switzerland. In addition, Mateus Nunez has a bit of a minor problem. Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and left winger Jack Grealish also did not report to the national team due to injury.
Kyle Walker and Akanji have been the backbone of City's defence this season, with the former starting 37 of 38 games in all competitions and providing three assists, including two assists in 26 Premier League games, averaging 1.08 tackles, 0.85 interceptions and 1.23 clearances per game, and delivering 1,776 passes and 22 key passes at a pass completion rate of 90 per cent. Walker's pace and ability to chase back is an integral part of City's backline. Akanji has also played 35 games so far this season, the third-most capped defender behind Walker and Ruben Dias. As for John Stones, he can play a very crucial role in both centre-back and midfield.
In addition, the main goalkeeper Ederson also suffered a thigh strain against Liverpool and is unlikely to play against Arsenal. The injuries of four big defenders at the back have deprived Manchester City of half of their defence. But the fans are most worried about De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder was sidelined for half a season due to injury and has been in great form since his return. As the most passable player in the Manchester City squad, De Bruyne's presence is very important for centre-forward Erling Haaland. In the two-legged Premier League match with Arsenal last season, De Bruyne scored 3 goals and 2 assists, Haaland scored 2 goals and 2 assists, and the two teamed up to tear the Arsenal back line apart.
In the first leg of this season's match between the two teams, De Bruyne was absent due to injury, Haaland was completely locked by the Gunners' backline, and there were 0 shots on goal in 90 minutes, Manchester City finally lost 0-1 away, and the 12-game Premier League winning streak against the Gunners came to an abrupt end. If Ding Ding is unable to play in this game, it is estimated that it will be very difficult for Manchester City to win Arsenal.
Last season, Manchester City sent away the main left-back Joao Cancelo in the winter window, and Pep Guardiola sacrificed a set of 3-2-4-1 tactics at critical moments, leading Manchester City to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in one fell swoop, achieving the first European treble in team history. The situation of Manchester City is actually much better now than last season. With the injury of half of the main force, Guardiola will be forced to "live" again, I don't know how Guardiola will rejuvenate and defeat the enemy in the face of Arsenal led by his disciple Arteta this time, it is still very worth looking forward to.