There's no doubt about it, Arsenal go into their biggest game of the season brimming with a sense of injustice. The Gunners should be five points clear of Manchester City, but due to an astounding error of officiating they find themselves with a lead of only three. Apologies have since been issued, but Mikel Arteta was not in the mood to forgive.
"I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back which is not going to be the case," the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. "I appreciate what I think were really sincere, open and genuine apologies and explanations which is really good. But it doesn’t change the fact that we have two points less on the table."
He is right to be incredulous, but also right that nothing can now be done. With a rightful grievance Arsenal now head into their biggest game of the season. It's a match that is likely to be decided by fine margins and Arteta will be hoping the fury can give his side the edge.
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In a title race so close, it is likely that these head-to-heads are going to be crucial. The Premier League will not be won on Wednesday night, but with psychology and momentum such important factors, it could well be lost. As a result it's vital for Arteta to get his team selection right.
That starts with Aaron Ramsdale. Some would argue that the England international was at fault for Ivan Toney's goal on Saturday even if it was offside, but he has been told to be proactive and Arteta will have no problem with that. Ramsdale took a whack in the concession of that goal but should be fine to start regardless.
William Saliba and Gabriel will probably feel among the most aggrieved of the Arsenal players at Toney's strike. The foul given on Saliba for the free kick that led to it was probably harsh, and it was Gabriel who was blocked off by the offside Ethan Pinnock in the build up. Both will get a chance to redeem themselves against City against what is probably the best striker in world football.
Erling Haaland is probably the only City player that Alex Zinchenko doesn't know inside out. The Ukrainian is not in the best of form, but in a game where the midfield battle is crucial, he will be essential. The same goes for Ben White on the right side despite calls for Takehiro Tomiyasu to come in to the side.
Thomas Partey probably announced himself as one of the best midfielders in the division in this exact fixture on New Year's Day last season and will be keen to replicate that display this time around. Granit Xhaka does not have quite such a glittering history in this game after giving away a penalty and getting sent off in both matches last season, but Arsenal will be glad to have this season's version of the Swiss international to call on. Martin Odegaard meanwhile has gone up a level in that time too and will be keen to show himself against an elite side like Man City.
Up front meanwhile Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka are inevitably going to start, but on the left side of the attack there is a decision to make. Gabriel Martinelli is not in the best of form and his subpar display against Brentford was thrown into sharper focus by Leandro Trossard's goal off the bench. The Belgian has made a great start to life in north London and would probably have a good case to start. But Arteta has a habit of sticking by players who he trusts. Wednesday night does not feel like the time that he'll pick to start trying new things.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Manchester City - Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
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