Fri Sep 20 16:15:14 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Confident Despite Grueling Schedule Ahead of City Clash

**BENGALURU -** Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against Manchester City on Sunday despite a grueling schedule that saw them play three away games in six days.

Following a North London derby victory against Tottenham and a Champions League draw against Atalanta, Arsenal faces the reigning Premier League champions in a crucial fixture.

“We’ve been preparing for this since pre-season,” Arteta said. “We knew the schedule would be tough, but we’ve prepared both physically, mentally, and tactically.”

Arteta acknowledged the challenge posed by City, who have won the title for the past two seasons and currently lead the league table. “We’re going to the home of the champions, the team that I think in Premier League history has been the most consistent ever,” Arteta added.

However, Arsenal boasts a strong record against City, having avoided defeat in their last three meetings. Arteta is confident that his team can compete and even claim victory.

“We have to go there and prove that again we’ve made another step, and we can compete,” he said.

The match comes with an added layer of complexity as Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is sidelined with an ankle injury, leaving Arteta unsure of the midfielder’s return date.

Despite the challenges, Arteta remains optimistic, highlighting the team’s impressive away form in 2024, where they have only dropped points in the 0-0 draw at City last season.

With both teams vying for the league title, Sunday’s clash promises to be an exciting and highly competitive encounter.

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