13 February 2023 , 09:27
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Ian Wright declared that Arsenal "need to win" when Premier League title rivals Manchester City roll up to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Just three points separate the two teams at the top of the table after the Gunners - who have a game in hand - were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Saturday. City closed the gap the following day with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa and a win at Arsenal will send them top for the first time since August due to their superior goal difference.
There is cause for concern at the Etihad Stadium, however, as Erling Haaland was taken off at half-time against Villa with what Pep Guardiola described as a "big knock". The Norwegian striker, 22, is the top scorer in the league this season with an astonishing 25 goals in 21 games, so it would be an enormous blow for City if he is not fit to face the Gunners.
Wright acknowledges the potential injury boosts Arsenal's hopes of defeating the champions and strengthening their title claim in midweek. That being said, the Highbury hero is alert to "what City are capable of without Haaland" in what is a must-win game for his former side.
Discussing the City No.9 on BBC show Match of the Day 2, Wright said: "We saw what he can do with his stretching of the team, which is something that can cause problems, but it was always going to be a tough game for Arsenal.
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"We've seen what City are capable of without Haaland. It's a game that Arsenal need to win, they need to win their home games and City are coming there now knowing if they win that game, they'll go top."
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Ian Wright claims Arsenal "need to win" when they face Manchester City (Getty Images)
Erling Haaland suffered a suspected thigh injury against Aston Villa (Getty Images)One crucial advantage City have over Arsenal is their experience of putting together a string of wins at the business end of the season. Guardiola's squad is filled with battle-hardened players who have gone toe to toe with Liverpool in many thrilling title races.
In contrast, the Gunners were firmly out of the frame when it came to winning the league before emerging as surprise contenders under Mikel Arteta this season. Wright pointed out that City "know this terrain" but remains hopeful that Arsenal can get back on track after their setback against Brentford.
"Pep's talking about it's still early but they know this terrain, they know what they need to be doing," the former England striker added. "But I think Arsenal will be ready for them. Arsenal will be looking forward to this game. It was unfortunate against Brentford how that turned out but I think the point is good enough. This is the kind of game to get yourself going again."