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Arsenal handed perfect Man City boost as Premier League title credentials now clear

Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne celebrate.
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)


There is no rest for the wicked and the same goes for Arsenal. As quickly as they recover from a hard-earned point away at Atalanta in the Champions League, focus immediately switches to the Premier League.

Sunday poses another stern test, in the form of reigning champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta has struggled to overcome his former employers and has tasted disappointment at the hands of City in each of the last two seasons.

City have had an impervious record in the top-flight after four games this season, they became the only team with the 100 per cent record after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.

READ MORE: David Raya shows class but Thomas Partey has stinker

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta sent clear Arsenal selection message at Atalanta as Man City pick looms

Here football.london takes a look at the latest Arsenal news and transfer latest.

Man City's loss, Arsenal's gain

According to the Mirror, Manchester City will be without star man Kevin De Bruyne for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday. The Belgian suffered a suspected groin injury during Wednesday's goalless draw with Inter Milan.

Although Pep Guardiola couldn't comment on the injury issue, David McDonnell revealed that he is set to miss the early season title showdown.

De Bruyne could miss the clash but it is said that the issue is not going to rule him out long-term.

football.london says: "Arsenal know all too well the quality that Kevin De Bruyne possesses. His absence is the perfect gain for Arsenal, there's no doubt about that, and the Gunners will remember the impact he made when returning from injury last season.

"Arsenal need to get over their Man City hoodoo if they are to affirm their title aspirations and without a key man like De Bruyne, they have a strong chance. But it would be wrong to overlook the quality flooding through the Etihad Stadium ranks."

David Raya shows Arsenal ambition

By now, Arsenal have seen it but are yet to have done it. There are plenty of parallels with the title-winning squad under Arsene Wenger and the current crop.

With the recent disappointment, there are plenty of learning experiences. They showed their mettle in Bergamo against Atalanta as they dug their heels in, weathered a storm, and earned a point.

David Raya, the hero in the draw, emphasised it perfectly. He said: "I think we could have played a little bit more and a little bit better, but I think we managed well the game. We tried our best today, so if we cannot win the game, let’s not lose it."

football.london says: "The real acid test will be in the North West on Sunday. Many believe the draw in Manchester last season handed Guardiola's side the impetus as they went on to win the Premier League.

"But the revelation from Raya signifies that the tide is turning in North London. You can have the mentality but Arsenal are beginning to show it and the foundations have been slowly put in place. Raya has offered a glimpse into the dressing room and the Gunners are hungry to succeed, now they're continuing to show title credentials.