The key tests awaiting Arsenal in Premier League title bid

The summer signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko – both arriving from City – will no doubt help Arteta, who himself was an integral part of Guardiola’s coaching staff for two successful title-winning seasons.

City six-pointer

Arsenal have dropped just seven points from their opening 19 games of the season, amassing an impressive 50 points to sit 11 clear of both Newcastle and Manchester United.

City are five points behind the Gunners and have the goals of Erling Haaland to push them on towards the ninth league title in their history.

The top two title protagonists not only meet in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night but have yet to clash in the Premier League this season.

City visit the Emirates Stadium on February 15 with the return game in Manchester scheduled for late April.

Arsenal have not beaten City in the league since 2015, losing the last 10 meetings by an aggregate score of 26-3 and will need to address such a shocking run of results to keep ahead in the run-in.

Squad depth

Arteta has faith in a small squad which he has developed over recent seasons, with seven players starting all 19 league games so far this campaign.

Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have lined up for every game and that core of players has no doubt helped Arsenal find consistency and rhythm in their play.

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Even losing Jesus to knee surgery allowed Nketiah to come into the side and shine but such is the size of Arteta’s squad that any other injuries could dent the balance of his team and their chance to get their hands of the trophy.

The January arrival of Leandro Trossard and the impending signing of Jakub Kiwior will help but Arteta will be keeping his fingers crossed that the nucleus of his team stays fit and healthy.

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