It’s clear how Arsenal will aim to attack Manchester City on Sunday | OneFootball

Manchester City played out a nil-all draw last against Inter Milan to open their Champions League campaign for the 24/25 season. The game was a tactical battle between two of the best teams in Europe. While Manchester City had chances to win the game, Inter Milan also has opportunities of their own to win the game. But what became apparent during the game was that Inter may have set a template for Arsenal to follow at the Etihad on Sunday.

It’s no secret that the world champions can be exposed on the counter. That has been known for some time. Due to the high defensive line City employs, it can leave them vulnerable to teams who break quickly and with precision. So far this season Ipswich Town, West Ham and Inter Milan last night have had varying degrees of success against Pep Guardiola’s side on the break.

Inter Milan last night, with their quality and pace, gave City headaches, especially in the first half. Simone Inzaghi’s side employed a low defensive block to take away Manchester City’s space in the final third. When they gained possession they looked to counter quickly. If not for some wayward finishing and a couple of good saves from Ederson they could’ve walked away from the Etihad with more than a point.

Based on how Arsenal set up at the Etihad late last season, Mikel Arteta’s side may look to employ similar tactics on Sunday. Arsenal came to the Etihad last season and sat deep to come away from the Etihad with a point. They frustrated City in the nil-all draw in March. With players such as Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli in their lineup Arsenal will likely look to hit Manchester City on the break on Sunday. How Pep Guardiola sets up his team to neutralize this threat of Arsenal’s with be fascinating to see unfold.

Inter Milan may have provided Manchester City with a glimpse of the tactics that Arsenal may employ on Sunday in their blockbuster Premier League clash. How City handle Arsenal’s defence and threat on the break may decide Sunday’s match.