15 February 2023 , 19:21
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Alan Shearer insisted that a defeat for Arsenal against Manchester City in their Premier League top two tussle could have great consequences.
Their original meeting earlier this season was postponed, making Wednesday night's clash at the Emirates the first time the two teams had met in the Premier League this term. The clash had been billed in some quarters as a champions vs champions elect showdown, with the victors coming out on top at the end of the night.
Arsenal have surpassed all expectations and have been at the summit for the majority of the season. City, despite impressing regularly, have been somewhat inconsistent, by their own high standards, losing four times ahead of their North London showdown They have previously chased down teams in pursuit of the league title however and Shearer reckons Arsenal's young side could be hit hard by a loss.
Quizzed on who a defeat is more damaging for and told Amazon Prime: "Probably Arsenal because City have been in this position before.
"They’ve been chasing, they’ve been the leader, so they know how to react in difficult situations, whereas this Arsenal team, other than the last couple of results it’s all been great for them.
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"Their performances have been great and they’ve been hearing everyone say really nice things about them.
"This might change if they don’t get the result tonight, so in answer to your question, Arsenal."
Arsenal have failed to win in their last two outingsThe Gunners, who have been relentless for much of the campaign, had failed to win in their previous two outings. They lost to Everton before Brentford claimed a point in north London on Saturday. City responded 24 hours later with a win over Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola's side have won four of the past five league titles and are eyeing three in a row - a feat only achieved by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side in the Premier League era. Arsenal meanwhile haven't won the top flight since their Invincible campaign nearly two decades ago.
Guardiola said on the challenge facing his side: "Arsenal have been fantastic so far so we'll try to perform well. When you have 50 points in the first leg it's because you have everything - clear plan, mentality, dedicated to the way the games must be played."
"Many games to play (in the title race), it will be an intense game, the atmosphere, Arsenal have waited many years to be in this position so you have to handle it. We have to challenge them otherwise it will be difficult."