‘Major loss’ – Patrick Vieira weighs in on Arsenal v Man City as he expresses major concern | OneFootball

Arsenal travel to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday, and will be desperate to win despite being without their injured captain Martin Odegaard.

Former Gunners star Patrick Vieira insists they have to ensure they pick up all three points against the Premier League table leaders in the absence of the Norwegian midfielder, urging his teammates to step up.

Arsenal are currently two points behind Man City after four league games in 2024-25, and a win will see them move to the top of the table.

“It will be a bigger game, I think, for Arsenal,” Vieira told The Athletic.

“I think Arsenal will have to perform and will have to win. City know how to win these kinds of games, so I think there will be more pressure on Arsenal’s shoulders more than City’s.

“It’s a major loss for Arsenal. He’s not just the captain of the team, he’s the leader on the field, the technical leader on the field.

“When he is on the field, players around him feel more comfortable, as well. He’s the one who dictates the tempo of Arsenal and he’s the one who brings this kind of technical ability, this quality in the last 30 yards to create something.

“But, again, if you want to go until the end, players have to take more responsibility and players have to take on a bit more and we will see what will happen.”

Arsenal drew Man City on their last visit to the Etihad, with Rodri claiming the Gunners came to play for a draw and were happy to leave with a point.

They have to prove they want to win on Sunday as leaving with a victory could make all the difference in the title race going forward.

Man City are yet to drop points this term in the league but were held to a goalless draw by Inter Milan in their Champions League game during the week and could have lost had the Italian taken their chances.

Arsenal can hurt them and will have to make the most of their chances in front of goal if they are to get a result.