Arsenal vs. Manchester City – EPL, February 21, 2021

The last time that Mikel Arteta had the chance to pit himself against his mentor Pep Guardiola was back in October – and the defeat kicked off the slump that brought just one win in the next 10 league games.

Arsenal has vastly improved since then but will face its sternest test of recent months as it attempts to slow Manchester City’s title charge.

There are not many people that would bet against Manchester City at the moment. Whatever competition it is playing in, Pep Guardiola’s side invariably ends up as the winning team. BetOnline has made City the odds on favorite to win at the Emirates – and as much as the price for the home win looks inviting, this should end in another win for the Manchester side.

Arsenal may have only won one of its last four EPL games, but the record since just after Christmas has been very good, and Arteta finally looks to be happy with his team. Some new arrivals – and some returning from injury – have definitely helped with that, even if Arsenal remains in mid-table.

The effect Martin Odegaard has had on the team has been particularly noticeable. The Danish midfielder joined on loan in January and is beginning to look like the connection Arsenal needed between its midfield and its attacking players. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also back in the goals, things are looking up in north London.

But beating Manchester City is another proposition altogether. Guardiola’s side has been formidable in the league, both domestic cups, and the Champions League since the start of December and will be looking to record its 13th straight EPL victory on Sunday against Arsenal.

That City has been able to do that without big players such as Sergio Aguero, and Kevin De Bruyne shows just how good this team is. One of the players that has really stepped up, Ilkay Gundogan, may miss out on this game because of injury, but there is a wealth of talent waiting in the wings to contribute this season.

Manchester City could still be ten points clear at the top of the Premier League when this game starts on Sunday, and it is looking increasingly likely that it will win another title this year. It would take a huge effort by any other club to even beat Pep Guardiola’s team now – and I don’t think that Arsenal has what it takes.