Premier League preview: Man City v Arsenal
He’s fully warmed up now, and so the stewards at Eastlands had better be ready.
The sight of Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor sprinting towards the Arsenal fans – complete with a look of mischief in the eye – after he scored during City’s 4-2 win over his former club last season was one of the defining images of the last campaign. The Togolese forward – reacting to what he saw as unwarranted abuse from the Gunners faithful – was ultimately fined and banned for causing what can only politely be described as a riot, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be any less motivated this time around.
He’s in form too, as a goalless start to the season was washed away with his first three strikes of the campaign against Lech Poznan in the Europa League in midweek – Arsène Wenger be warned – and despite what Arsenal and their fans may think of Adebayor, he still likes them.
“They scored five in the Champions League this week (against Shakhtar Donetsk) and they're playing good football,” said the man who moved to the Gunners from Monaco in 2006. “Arsenal are good, and a team that love to pass it around.
“Last season at home we found it quite easy. It won't be so easy this time, they have got Marouane Chamakh up front now, and we'll have to be careful.”
It is who plays upfront for City that is of most concern to Adebayor these days, as with so much talent available to boss Roberto Mancini it can often be difficult to nail down a place in the starting lineup. The Togolese and others have made their feelings known to the boss in the past, but, second in the league and progressing well in Europe, City just seems like one big happy rowing family.
“I have had a row with the manager and so has Carlos Tévez,” said Adebayor, “the reason we row is we are all so passionate.
“We just want to be part of a successful club. It's not about money or egos. It's because we all want what is best for the team. These disagreements show we care. We have a shout, then get on with it. I think it's good. It shows we are hungry for success. It has been a difficult season for me. But I have never regretted my decision to come to City and will keep fighting for my chance.”
“Hungry for success” would also be a good description for Arsenal’s players at the moment, if the players themselves didn’t think it too mild.
“It has become an obsession,” said Gaël Clichy about the longing to end to Gunners’ five-year trophy drought.
“When you play for a club like Arsenal, you don't lack the mentality. You are a winner. To be at the top level, whether it's NBA, NFL or whatever, you are a winner.
"If we play for Arsenal instead of another club in another country with smaller teams, it's because we have the winning mentality.”
A “winning mentality” when facing sides as poor as Shakhtar Donetsk – who the Gunners easily saw off 5-1 in the Champions League in midweek – is all well and good, but fixtures such as this one are a different matter.
The Gunners have of course been all words and little action in games such as this one for a while now, but they are going to have to start winning them soon if anyone is to take them seriously as title contenders.
They’ll be helped with the return of Cesc Fàbregas to Premier League action here, although Jack Wilshere is suspended, while Bacary Sagna is back after injury.
For City, their fondness for rowing could increase with the return to fitness of Mario Balotelli, who could make a Premier League debut, while Tévez and Yaya Touré are likely to return, but Yaya’s brother Kolo – formerly of Arsenal – will need a late fitness test.
City’s arguments or Arsenal’s obsession then? The hosts look too strong, and Wenger can expect a familiar feeling come Sunday evening.
Adebayor will be happy. For now at least.
Prediction: Man City 2 Arsenal 0
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