Jack Grealish has revealed Manchester City are not currently thinking about Arsenal with the two teams expected to again fight for the Premier League title. Pep Guardiola’s side grabbed a late winner against Wolves this past weekend with that victory taking them above the Gunners following their defeat to Bournemouth.
A red card for William Saliba played a pivotal role in the loss with Mikel Arteta unable to prevent crucial points being dropped. The 2-0 loss was Arsenal’s first of the season in all competitions having kept pace at the top despite being hit by numerous injury blows.
Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were all out with injury for the clash at Bournemouth, though Ben White made his return after last featuring in the 2-2 draw against Man City. Following that stalemate, the reigning champions have also dropped points which has seen Liverpool take advantage.
Arne Slot’s side currently sit three points clear at the top of the table following their latest win against Chelsea. Because of that, it is clear to see why Grealish was of the belief the victory against Wolves was of high importantance, especially with the context of their last away clash against Gary O’Neil’s side..
“We lost at Molineux last season, so we knew it would be difficult,” he said. “We seem to be coming up against teams more and more that put players behind the ball. The only way we can take it is that it’s a compliment to us. A lot of teams are doing it now.
“They played Chelsea and Liverpool, and those games were really open. Then they played us and put a lot of people behind the ball. Like I say, we have to use it as a compliment.” The 29-year-old was also quizzed on City’s title rivals, which includes Arsenal, but he was keen to point out that other teams are not at the forefront of their minds.
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“Honestly, we don’t think about them,” he revealed. “Listen, if it was later in the season, maybe it could be seen as a big weekend. But it’s October. We still know it’s just not Arsenal. There’s Liverpool and Chelsea. All we want to do is focus on ourselves and to come to these away games and score at the last minute, there’s no better feeling.”
Though all three teams will be keen to see their respective rivals drop points, Grealish is absolutely right. There are still 30 games left to play and thus so much can still change with Arsenal hoping to avoid a third consecutive season of just being pipped to the title.
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