An unstoppable force will meet an immovable object at the Etihad on Sunday | OneFootball

This Sunday’s Premier League meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal is full of fascinating subplots. The managerial battle between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta is one such battle that always fascinates. There is also another fascinating battle to watch for as an unstoppable object will meet an immovable object. Erling Haaland’s battle with Arsenal’s defence, namely William Saliba and Gabriel will likely play a key role in tomorrow’s result.

Last season Arsenal’s defence did well to contain Erling Haaland. In the two Premier League meetings between the two teams last season Arsenal held City scoreless. They successfully managed to stifle City’s attacking threat and, therefore, cut off the supply to the best striker in world football. William Saliba and Gabriel also double-marked Haaland during both games, which made life even more difficult for City’s number 9. It will no doubt be a tactic Mikel Arteta’s side will employ tomorrow. So far this season Arsenal’s back four has been a strength of their play. It is the foundation of Mikel Arteta’s team and they’ll have a key role to play tomorrow.

Although he didn’t hit the score sheet during City’s nil-all draw with Inter Milan earlier this week, Erling Haaland has started this season in scintillating form. Haaland has been an unstoppable force in front of goal. He has scored 9 goals in 5 games in all competitions, and 8 in his last 3 Premier League games. He will head into tomorrow’s blockbuster fixture in almost career-best form. If he continues that form tomorrow, he could be the match-winner in a game that features several outstanding players for both teams.

Obviously, Erling Haaland will need to rely on the supply of his teammates tomorrow. That goes without saying. But if he fires tomorrow he has the potential to send a message to Arsenal. Conversely, if Arsenal’s defence can contain Haaland, it may tilt the balance of the game in Arsenal’s favour. That battle is one of many interesting subplots that will unfold over the 90 minutes at the Etihad.

An unstoppable force will meet an immovable object tomorrow at the Etihad. Erling Haaland’s battle with William Saliba and Gabriel could be the key battle in tomorrow’s blockbuster Premier League fixture at the Etihad.