Bacary Sagna has shared his forecast ahead of a significant Premier League showdown between two of his former clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City, scheduled for this weekend.
Presently, Arsenal leads the Premier League table, albeit on goal difference. However, they are aware that a defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon would see them relinquish their position to their rivals.
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Last season, Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title, finishing five points adrift of Manchester City despite leading the race for much of the campaign.
Nonetheless, under Mikel Arteta’s management, they have launched another formidable title challenge this season, securing 20 wins from 28 league matches to claim the top spot with ten games left.
Previously enduring a streak of 12 consecutive league losses against Manchester City, Arsenal managed to break this spell earlier in the season with a 1-0 victory at home in October.
Meanwhile, Manchester City currently occupies the third position, trailing Arsenal by a single point and Liverpool in second place. They aspire to secure their sixth league title since 2018 and aim for another historic treble.
When asked for his prediction for the Etihad clash, Sagna told Paddy Power: ‘I can see Manchester City and Arsenal drawing at the Etihad.
‘At home, Man City can be exposed because they attack so much and leave themselves open to the counterattack and we know how fast Arsenal’s players are.
‘It’s a strength to attack so much because they can put any team under pressure, but Arsenal can also put pressure on teams, so I think it will be a draw.’
Speaking to Sky Sports in another interview, the ex-France star added: ‘I was at the Emirates and the Etihad for the games [between Arsenal and Man City] last year and I was impressed by the intensity.
‘It was much faster than when I was playing. The pressing is really intense. The mangers don’t want to give room and space to top, top players because they will make things happen.
‘It is one of the top games not just for the Premier League but also in Europe.’
Sagna also singled out Bernardo Silva ahead of Man City’s clash with Arsenal, describing the Portuguese star as a player who makes all other teams ‘jealous’.
‘Bernardo Silva is a top player who has a lot of quality on the ball and he’s very clever,’ Sagna said.
‘It’s fantastic to have players like him in the team, along with [Erling] Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne because having players like that will make any team jealous.
‘Bernardo Silva is having a big impact on the team and it’s not the first time, but he does step up towards the end of the season and shine more than usual. He’s just been class ever since he joined from Monaco.
‘What we’re seeing now is a continuation of his talent. I would love to see him stay at the club because he’s one of the best in the world at his position.’
