The Preview: Arsenal vs Man City
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Arsenal trophy drought
Arsenal have won one trophy since 2017. That's far too long for a club of their stature. It's now or never. If they don't win a trophy this year, then they will never win a trophy.
Pep Guardiola future
If it's Guardiola's last season, if he goes out trophyless for two seasons in a row, which would have been unthinkable three or four years ago, I think that probably does impact his decision as to whether to stay on.
Enzo Fernandez transfer rumors
It was really surprising to hear those comments from Enzo Fernandez, casting doubt over his Chelsea future. It's classic 'give me an extra 50k a week' kind of chat.
Premier League title race
I would actually probably argue that this weekend is more important for City in terms of their chance of silverware this season. The Premier League title race is broadly out of their hands. I think we can certainly call Arsenal the favourites for it.
Erling Haaland form
Haaland scored 38 for club and country from August to the end of December, so to go from 38 in a few months to five in three months is insane really.
Manchester City Champions League status
The Champions League isn't everything for City. Failure is accepted more in the Champions League than it would be for Real Madrid. It's almost been the opposite for City; they've struggled to sell out Champions League matches in the past.
Tactical analysis
I'm not a fan of playing backup goalkeepers in finals. If you've got a world-class keeper sat on the bench for a penalty shootout, he's much more likely to be a match-winning goalkeeper. I don't get it. You play your best team.
Champions League qualification race
It is feeling increasingly as though it is Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Liverpool who are fighting it out for two spots between three, rather than previously where it felt like we were looking at four teams fighting it out for three spots.
Arsenal form
I don't know if it feels to me as though they've found another level in the last few weeks. It more feels as though this is the point where you might traditionally have expected Arsenal to start looking a bit shaky and they haven't.
Tottenham Hotspur form
Spurs' desire has returned. God knows where it went, but it's back. Tactically, they look better. Four at the back suits them. Injured players returned.
