A year ago
Arsenal drew for a third straight game on Friday night, coming up against Southampton to draw 3-3, but it means they are now unbeaten in their last ten Premier League games, the best record against all teams in the league. They had the best away record in the league that season, earning 36 of the possible 48 points, while also scoring the most goals (32) and conceding the fewest (13) along the way.
However, Manchester City are currently unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions. Can Arsenal end Pep Guardiola's unbeaten streak? The answer is no. Firstly, Manchester City is currently on a 6-match winning streak and Arsenal will find it very difficult to control that momentum. Second, the match will take place at Etihad Stadium, which has lost to many of the top 6 teams in the Premier League this season. Arsenal's chances of beating Manchester City at home are slim and given the number of goals the Skyblue team have scored in their last seven games in all competitions, it would be better if Arsenal were scared.
The last time Arsenal met Manchester City was at the Emirates Stadium and the Skyblue team beat them 3-1. Since then, Manchester City have never lost a game in any competition.
They have more squad depth than Arsenal, even their second squad will put Arsenal's first squad in trouble at the Etihad Stadium. It will be a very tight match at the Etihad Stadium, but Manchester City will walk away with all three points, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 games.
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Man City have Erling Haaland, Ederson and Kalvin Phillips
According to a report, Liverpool have 'let everyone know' that they are preparing a shock move for a Man City star who is 'open-minded' from the start and 'enjoys' the chance to get rid of Pep Guardiola to go to Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool and Man City are the two dominant forces in English football in the past 5 years. The Reds have cooled off this season, although there's a lot of hope that their long-awaited midfield rebuild could help them challenge for top honors again next year.
Klopp's side are said to have ended their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham.
Rising transfer costs (around £125-135m before agent fees and wages) make Liverpool look down on them. Instead, two and more likely three are cheaper, although there are equally powerful additions on the card.
All sorts of midfield options have been touted so far. Among those believed to be on Liverpool's radar are Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch and Nicolo Barella, just to name six.
However, according to a notable source from the Mirror, a shocking move for Man City's Kalvin Phillips is being accelerated.
Phillips' Man City nightmare could end in one season
The former Leeds Utd favorite joined City in a £45m deal (including add-ons) last summer. To be fair, however, his first season at the Etihad was nothing short of a nightmare.
Phillips was the best in terms of injuries and fitness issues, so he only played for 406 minutes. However, even in good health, he is regularly looked down upon by his manager.
Indeed, Guardiola opted to rest number one midfielder Rodri during the FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield Utd on Saturday. However, Phillips remained on the bench despite Rodri's absence, and was again restricted to a short late appearance once the game was in hand. The Mirror reports that Liverpool have sensed an opportunity and are preparing a £35m move for the 27-year-old England international.
The City's stance on what is sure to underpin their fiercest opponent is not well stated. While Phillips has barely played at the Etihad, the situation could be different at Anfield as Liverpool are in dire need of new midfielders.
However, Phillips' position on the unexpected change will be outlined in the article. The Mirror reports that Phillips is "ready" to join Liverpool and will "enjoy the opportunity to restart his career" under Klopp at Anfield. Factor in his thinking will be concerns about his standing with England ahead of Euro 2024. Phillips remains a key player for Gareth Southgate, despite a second season on the bench at Man. City can be fatal.
Phillips and Guardiola a match made in hell?
Helping any Liverpool approach will likely be Phillips' seemingly strained relationship with Guardiola.
The report notes that Pep was clearly unimpressed when Phillips received a full nine-day leave after the World Cup instead of returning to the club early. In addition, Phillips appeared in a physical condition that Guardiola deemed unsatisfactory. The Spaniard then publicly criticized the player over the matter.
It should also be noted that Rodri's presence is unlikely to help Phillips get a regular start at the club. At the age of 26, Rodri is not leaving anytime soon.
West Ham have also shown an interest in ending Phillips' City's nightmare. However, it now looks like Liverpool have been eyeing that opportunity and the player looks set to join the Red Devils.
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