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ARSENAL SUFFERS KEY ABSENCE, MAN CITY AND PEP GUARDIOLA GAINS TITLE RACE

Manchester City's title hopes receive a potential boost as Arsenal's key defender Gabriel suffers an injury while on international duty with Brazil. His absence could be crucial in the tight Premier League race.

Arsenal suffers key absence, Man City and Pep Guardiola gains Title race
Man City benefits as Arsenal update confirms key player absence - Photo Credit: PA Wire

Over the international weekend, some injury news gave Manchester City a boost in the title race.

With a 3-0 victory against champions Liverpool last time out, Manchester City maintained their title ambitions and moved within four points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's team has not won anything yet, and there are still 27 games left in this title race, including a matchup with the Gunners at the Etihad in April.

In 2022–2023—when Arsenal dominated the top flight for most of the season before losing to the eventual Treble winners—Arteta gave up the championship for the first time to Guardiola.

William Saliba's injury was a major factor in the Gunners' defeat that season, and City supporters will be hoping that the north London leaders' recent injury woes can turn the tide of their season in the Cityzens' favour once more.

As Gabriel leaves for Brazil due to injury, Arsenal loses.


When Gabriel, a crucial player for his native Brazil, was injured in the 64th minute of a friendly match against Senegal, Arsenal suffered a serious setback. The Selecao had already qualified for the World Cup. Arteta would be quite concerned if the 27-year-old were to miss time on the field because of the consequences of a friendly, but City would benefit greatly from it.

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Brazil, remarked just after the game: "Bad? I am not sure; the medical staff has to inspect his adductor tomorrow," Ancelotti told football.london. "We sincerely apologise and are very unhappy. I hope that those who sustain injuries can heal quickly."

Ancelotti's apologies suggest a recognition that Gabriel's injury might not be as serious as it seems. In the upcoming days, supporters of both City and Arsenal will be anxiously awaiting the findings of medical examinations, though obviously for different reasons. Gabriel is undoubtedly a vital member of Arsenal's formidable defence and, in both positions, one of the few players in their starting lineup that would be difficult to replace.

Gabriel, a "leader," would be much missed by the Gunners as City attempts to contend for the championship.

In recent years, Gabriel has advanced significantly, becoming an indispensable member of Arteta's team and a role model on the field. The real standout feature of his game is his contributions in both penalty areas, especially as the Gunners improve their set-piece and corner play.

On The Game Football Podcast in August, Tony Cascarino stated about Gabriel: "Well, I think, Gabriel's enormous." Due to his size, they need him back for Arsenal. Gabriel is huge for them, in my opinion, since he is that kind of captain and leader. Even though he is not the captain, he acts like one.

This could be the ideal chance for City to get a run of results to take the lead in the title race before Christmas if Gabriel is sidelined for the Gunners' important upcoming games against teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. We know from past seasons that once Guardiola's team gets a run together and is in full flow, they can be very hard to stop.

MAN CITY TARGETS FOREST MIDFIELDER ELLIOT ANDERSON IN TRANSFER RAID

Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest's dynamic midfielder Elliot Anderson next year. The 23-year-old would add quality to Guardiola's midfield.

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Man City Prepares Bid for Elliot Anderson Next Year

According to a recent report in The Daily Mail, Manchester City is interested in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Word is, the Manchester club might try to bring the English player to Etihad Stadium next year.

Anderson is playing well this season, putting up some nice performances for Nottingham in the middle of the field. So far, the 23-year-old has one goal and one assist in 16 games for the club in all competitions.

He has done a good job protecting the defence, with 33 tackles, 20 blocks, 12 interceptions, and 12 clearances in the Premier League. He has also been accurate with his passing, completing 83.2% of his passes in the league (stats via fbref.com).

His contract with Nottingham Forest runs through the summer of 2029, so Man City will need to make a good offer if they really want to sign him next year.

Is Anderson a Smart Move for Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola?

Anderson has a lot of energy in the midfield. He likes to tackle and can make important interceptions.

He will also clear the ball when needed. Anderson mainly plays as a box-to-box midfielder, but he can also play as a number ten or as a left-winger. With his Premier League experience, he should not need much time to settle in at Man City.

Anderson would definitely add quality to Guardiola’s midfield. He has the potential to compete for a starting spot at the Etihad Stadium in the years to come.

At 23, Anderson’s best years are ahead of him, making him a solid choice for Man City in the future. He is already good enough to help them compete on all fronts. Guardiola should seriously consider trying to sign him this winter or at the end of the season.

PEP GUARDIOLA EXPLAINS WHY FARKE WAS 'RILED' BY CITY'S TACTIC

Pep Guardiola admitted he was "relieved" after Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner saved Man City from a Leeds United comeback. The boss analysed the emotional rollercoaster at the Etihad.

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Guardiola Details Change That Riled Farke After Chaotic Win

Manchester City's coach saw his team grab a late win after Leeds United's impressive comeback in the second half.

Pep Guardiola said he was relieved because his Manchester City team responded well to win after Leeds United came back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game at the Etihad.

Leeds was down 2-0 at halftime. Daniel Farke switched up his formation, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's entrance gave Leeds a stronger presence up front. Calvert-Lewin scored and then earned a penalty, which Lukas Nmecha converted to level the score. But Phil Foden scored in the 91st minute, breaking Leeds' hearts and securing the points for Manchester City.

"I was relieved," Guardiola said. The game wasn't perfect in the second half. It should have been over already, given the chances we had. Daniel changed the system. We gave a goal away. The way we move has to change. At that point, emotions are high. We let in a second goal, but we responded well. We put more players in the box. In the end, Phil's quality made the difference again, helping us win.

Guardiola mentioned Calvert-Lewin's goal, which came in the 49th minute, and the game, as well as how the forward's presence impacted the game. We gave up a goal quickly, he said. Football is about emotions. When Calvert-Lewin plays with Nmecha, it's two against two, and the space is totally different.

The Manchester City coach was also questioned about an incident in the second half when Gianluigi Donnarumma went down and needed treatment for an injury. Guardiola immediately called all of his outfield players for a quick talk. Leeds was in control at that moment, and Farke questioned whether it was fair, even if he didn't want to criticise Guardiola.

To be honest, I didn't speak with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Guardiola said. I told James Trafford to warm up. I honestly don't know what happened. You can ask me next time; I'll ask Donnarumma if he was injured.

I'd love to have a timeout every time. I'm sure if we do that again, the Premier League will fine us again, so it's best if we don't.

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