New Arsenal star makes brave claim ahead of Manchester City clash

Arsenal’s £42 million summer signing Riccardo Calafiori has stated that the Gunners believe they can win every game, including their upcoming crucial clash with Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Italian international, who has made a strong impression since arriving from Bologna, insists the team’s mentality and togetherness are the driving forces behind their confidence in challenging for the Premier League title.

In an interview ahead of the match, Calafiori emphasised the team’s mindset, saying, “We believe we can win. Every game we have to win. That’s our belief and our strength of feeling. We can do it.”

The 22-year-old defender is adamant that Arsenal’s success is grounded in focusing on their strengths rather than being overly concerned with their opponents. “I know Manchester City pretty good already. I don’t need somebody telling me about City – we know all about them,” the defender said.

“But we don’t need to speak about them because we have to focus on ourselves and we can beat them if we do our things well.

“We are a really good team. We have a good spirit, a really good team and I think from now we should think about Sunday because that is going to be really tough as well.”

Calafiori, who made his name as a standout performer for Italy at the Euros, has already showcased his versatility in his few appearances for the Gunners.

He can play as a left-back, a left-sided centre-back, and has even demonstrated his ability to operate as an inverted full-back, dropping into midfield when needed.

Having missed the game against Tottenham due to a calf issue, Calafiori is now fully fit and ready to stake his claim for a starting spot against City. He believes this is his moment to make a significant impact, stating, “It’s a huge challenge but I knew that already before I came and I think I can give my qualities, my skills to the team. I know I can give more.”

His determination to prove himself is clear, as he highlighted that the competition within the squad is driving everyone to improve. “The competition is good because it pushes everyone in training and in the game as well,” he added.

Despite joining only a few months ago, Calafiori has settled in quickly at Arsenal and has embraced manager Mikel Arteta‘s coaching methods. He expressed his readiness to contribute, saying, “I am already settled in. The team has been amazing with me and now it’s time to play. The training has been different but everybody is ready to help me. I’m learning quickly so now I can stay on the pitch.”

Calafiori also acknowledged the intensity of Premier League football, noting, “The intensity is so high and in the game you can see that because the level is amazing in the Premier League and Champions League.”

Arsenal’s fixture against Manchester City is already seen as a potential turning point in the title race despite it only being the fifth match, with City having an extra day of preparation due to their Champions League schedule.

Calafiori refused to dwell on any perceived disadvantage, insisting that Arsenal will not use the schedule as an excuse. “They made this schedule, it’s how they made this programme and we just have to adjust ourselves to the challenge,” he said.

City, meanwhile, face their own scheduling challenges with two games in three days next week. They will host Watford in the Carabao Cup just 49 hours after the Arsenal clash, which has led to potential squad rotation involving academy players. The club has already made arrangements to free up their youth players by postponing the under-21s’ EFL Trophy game against Lincoln City.

Despite the logistical difficulties, Guardiola admitted that City have a slight advantage going into the game against Arsenal, given their extra preparation time. He said, “It’s an advantage. But I’ll make a list of the last six years how many times it has happened to us – I have a huge list to show you. But of course, it is an advantage.”

When asked about the scheduling of the fixture, Mikel Arteta told reporters, “We wanted the same as them, we’re not getting it, so we have to adapt and make the most of the time that we have today and tomorrow and on the morning of the match to prepare in the best way to go there and win the game.

“For sure we will prepare to try and win, like we did [against Atalanta],” he added. “That’s been the message already. In order to do that there are going to be things that we have to do much better than tonight.

“There are some things that we have done exceptionally well tonight [against Atalanta] and we are going to have to do them again. Because we all know we need a big performance to beat them.”

As Arsenal prepare for their Premier League clash with Manchester City, the historical context underlines just how formidable this challenge will be. The Gunners haven’t secured a victory at the Etihad since January 2015, enduring a nine-match winless streak in Manchester.

Their only goal in their last six visits came during a 4-1 defeat in April 2023, courtesy of Rob Holding. Despite this, there’s reason for optimism; Arsenal’s defensive efforts last season showed promise as they managed clean sheets in both league meetings with City, a marked improvement after conceding in each of their previous 16 encounters.

On the other hand, Manchester City are looking to extend their impressive home dominance. They are currently unbeaten in 47 home matches across all competitions and have won 13 consecutive Premier League games. Pep Guardiola’s side could also make history by becoming the first team in English top-flight history to win their opening five matches for five consecutive seasons.

Arsenal, however, have been equally impressive on their travels, with six consecutive Premier League away victories and nine clean sheets in their last 10 away games.

Erling Haaland represents a major threat for City, having netted nine goals in the first four games of the season—a feat unmatched in the top flight since 1951. His form could be decisive in this match, as he aims to extend his streak of scoring multiple goals to four consecutive games.

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka has a chance to etch his name into the record books by becoming the first player since Thierry Henry in the 2004-05 season to register an assist in each of the first five Premier League matches.

Both teams are dealing with their respective injury concerns, adding another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated battle at the Etihad. Arsenal will be aiming to overcome their poor recent record against City and build on their defensive strength, while Guardiola’s men will look to maintain their dominant home form.