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| Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish of Manchester City react prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. |
Manchester City star Jack Grealish has pointed to Declan Rice and Kai Havertz as potential difference-makers as Arsenal seek revenge on his team at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
City did the double over Arsenal last season, eventually pipping their rivals to the Premier League title by five points. The Londoners have strengthened in the interim, though, and two unbeaten games against Pep Guardiola's men are testament to that.
Arsenal began the season by winning the Community Shield on penalties, after a late Leandro Trossard goal secured a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes. The Gunners also claimed victory over City at the Emirates Stadium in October, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the only goal of the game.
Mikel Arteta's men sit a point clear of their rivals going into Sunday's game. While there are a number of factors at play, Grealish can't help but point to two useful new additions.
“Obviously, they have added Declan [Rice] and [Kai] Havertz who are both playing really well at the moment,” Grealish told club media. “They might have a bit more experience than last season.
“In both this season and last season, they have had a young side and last season was their first real time in a title race, so this year they might have a bit more experience. I think it is all about us at the moment and if we go out there and win the game then it puts us in a great position.”
Rice joined from West Ham in a club-record move and has wasted little time hitting his stride in Arsenal colours. Havertz took a little longer to kick into gear after arriving from Chelsea, but he has four goals and two assists in his last four games.
Arsenal have fewer points than at the same stage last season, while City have the exact same total they did after 28 games last term. Liverpool could throw a spanner in the works for both, though, with Jurgen Klopp's side able to end the weekend top of the table if they win against Brighton on Sunday and Arsenal fail to do the same at City.
City ended last season as Treble winners, and are still in contention to repeat the achievement. They are set to take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals, with the potential for a repeat of last season's final against Manchester United if both progress, while Real Madrid stand in their way in Europe.
“We certainly have the talent, the desire and the team to go and do it," Grealish said. "We have the best manager in the world. Fingers crossed we can have a successful last few months of the season.”
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