Sir Alex Ferguson once said: "Attack wins you games, defence wins you championships." The meeting of Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday could well prove the former Manchester United manager right.
The teams are very different in style when it comes to their centreforwards. Manchester City have arguably the world's best No 9 in Erling Haaland, whereas Kai Havertz assumes the role of a false 9 for Arsenal. The contrasts will make for an intriguing match at the Etihad, with both teams knowing the importance of the result.
Haaland has been sensational since arriving in the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. Pep Guardiola identified what City needed to do to go from Champions League challengers to winners, effectively selecting four centrebacks and buying a striker who could make the difference. The plan was to have Haaland as the focal point and work around the centre-forward, ensuring he stayed central, within the width of the box. If it came to feet he set it back to teammates but Guardiola did not want him running channels because it blocks other people's passing lanes. He was awesome last season and it is no coincidence that City won the treble.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 29, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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