Fri Sep 20 14:52:06 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Face City After Grueling Away Trip, Arteta Confident Despite Injuries

**Manchester, England** – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared his team ready to face reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, despite a grueling week on the road. The Gunners will be looking to continue their strong start to the season, but face a tough test against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.

Following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday, Arsenal have just two days to prepare for the clash against City. Arteta revealed the team had been preparing for this fixture since pre-season, knowing the demanding schedule they would face.

“We’ve been preparing for this since preseason,” said Arteta. “We knew it would be extremely rare to play three massive away games in six days. But we’re prepared, both physically, mentally, and tactically.”

The manager acknowledged the challenges of playing with limited rest and the absence of key midfielder Martin Ødegaard, who is still sidelined with an ankle injury. Arteta expressed hope that Ødegaard’s return date would be determined in the coming week.

While Arsenal boast a strong away record in 2024, their recent dominance over City has been a highlight. The Gunners have held City to draws in their last three meetings, including their last victory in April 2023. Arteta is confident his team can continue their winning ways, emphasizing their desire to prove they have “made another step” and can compete with the best.

“We go to the home of the champions,” Arteta said. “The team that I think in Premier League history has been the most consistent ever… This is the challenge. We have to go there and prove that again we’ve made another step and we can compete.”

Sunday’s match promises to be a highly anticipated clash between two of the Premier League’s top teams, with both sides looking to maintain their early season momentum.

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