Arsenal round off a gruelling week on the road with their third consecutive away game when they face champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, and manager Mikel Arteta said his side had been preparing for the clash since pre-season.
After beating Tottenham in a north London derby last weekend, Arsenal travelled to Bergamo, Italy, and on Thursday drew 0-0 with Atalanta in the Champions League. However, they have little time to rest, with their next game against City at the weekend.
Pep Guardiola's side have overtaken Arsenal to win the title in the last two seasons and once again the two clubs are first and second in the league after four games, with City two points clear at the top.
“We have been preparing for this since pre-season. Obviously, we knew the schedule and we know it is extremely strange to play in these conditions with three important away games in six days,” Arteta said.
“But it was what it was and we prepared for it, both physically, mentally and tactically.
“We're making sure everyone is ready because we're going to need them, especially with the injuries we had during the international break.”
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained while on duty with Norway, with Arteta unsure of a return date for the midfielder.
“We need to see the development in the next week or so, how the ankle reacts first and then the staff will give me an update on the time frame and how long he will be out,” said the Spanish coach.
Arteta added there were no new injuries following the draw at Atalanta but was hoping for an extra day of rest after City drew at home to Inter Milan on Wednesday.
“We wanted the same thing as them, we're not getting it, so we have to adapt and take advantage of the time we have today and tomorrow and the morning of the game to prepare ourselves in the best way to go there and win the game,” he said.
Although City have outplayed Arsenal in the past, they have not beaten Arteta's side in their last three meetings in all competitions, with their last victory coming in April 2023.
Arsenal also boast a stellar away record in 2024, dropping points only in a 0-0 draw at City last season, and Arteta said he expected a competitive atmosphere at the Etihad.
“We're going to the home of the champions, the team that I think in the history of the Premier League has been the most consistent, not just in terms of results but in terms of dominance and consistent performances at a high level,” he said.
“That's the challenge. We have to go there and prove once again that we have taken another step forward and that we can compete.”
