Arsenal vs Manchester City preview: will Olivier Giroud continue scoring as City visit in crucial Champions League clash?
A look ahead to the fixture at the Emirates Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s a big game for…
Mesut Özil: The main criticism of Özil since he arrived in Premier League is that he doesn’t turn up in the big games. This game is a chance for Özil to silence his doubters with the result likely to play a large role in the title race. He has been in imperious form so far this season and with two goals and 13 assist. Manchester City will need to contain him if they are to leave London with any points.
Best stat…
0: In the 15 games that Vincent Kompany has not played this season City have failed to keep a clean sheet and conceded 1.6 goals per game. In the nine games with Kompany they kept seven clean sheets and conceded only 0.44 goals per game.
Player to watch…
Olivier Giroud: With five goals in his last three games Giroud is currently on top of his game. The Frenchman has also scored twice in arsenal’s last three games against Manchester City. With Giroud high on confidence, City defenders are going to have their work cut out if they are to stop him from adding to his goal tally.
Past three meetings…
Manchester City 0 Arsenal 2 (Cazorla, Giroud) Premier League, January 2015
Arsenal 2 (Wilshere, Sanchez) Manchester City 2 (Aguero, Demichelis) Premier League, September 2014
Arsenal 3 (Cazorla, Ramsey, Giroud) Manchester City 0 Community Shield, August 2014
Form guide…
Arsenal: LWDWWW
Manchester City: LWWLWW
Vital Information…
Kick Off: 8pm, Monday, 21st December
TV: 8pm Sky Sports 1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments