{"id":2985,"date":"2026-04-06T19:41:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:41:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=2985"},"modified":"2026-04-06T19:41:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:41:36","slug":"arsenals-opponents-shown-exactly-how-to-beat-gunners-with-ideal-blueprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=2985","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal&#8217;s opponents shown exactly how to beat Gunners with ideal blueprint"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_e792fe\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Arsenal&#8217;s defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final has shown Manchester City and others a blueprint on how to beat Mikel Arteta&#8217;s side<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33722362\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mikel Arteta has been told that a worrying blueprint has emerged for Arsenal's opponents\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722362.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Mikel-Arteta.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722362.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Mikel-Arteta.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722362.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Mikel-Arteta.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722362.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Mikel-Arteta.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Mikel Arteta has been told that a worrying blueprint has emerged for Arsenal's opponents\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Mikel Arteta has been told that a worrying blueprint has emerged for Arsenal&#8217;s opponents<cite aria-label=\"Image: (John Walton\/PA Wire)\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: (John Walton\/PA Wire))<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Alan Shearer has suggested the strategy Manchester City must employ to overcome Arsenal in their attempt to secure the Premier League title.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The former Newcastle United forward emphasised the courage and confidence displayed by Southampton during their FA Cup quarter-final, as the Saints eliminated Mikel Arteta&#8217;s team from the tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Within the span of two fixtures, the Gunners have transformed from quadruple contenders to having only the top-flight championship and Champions League remaining as potential trophy opportunities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">City dominated Arsenal at Wembley on the eve of the international break to claim the first available silverware, with Nico O&#8217;Reilly&#8217;s brace proving sufficient to secure the Carabao Cup final 2-0. They built upon their cup triumph with a commanding victory over Liverpool to secure their FA Cup semi-final spot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Gunners are back in action following their 2-1 defeat against the Championship side in midweek when they head to Sporting CP in the Champions League. They return to top-flight duties when Bournemouth visit on April 11.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!<\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AFCFootball.London#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"> <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Shearer praised Southampton&#8217;s tactics, stating: &#8220;They were brave, they were definitely brave, definitely had belief. They fed off the crowd, had a great energy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I was really impressed with how they approached it, the manager came out and said, &#8216;We&#8217;re going to have a gameplan, we think we can get at them and there may be one or two weaknesses&#8217;, which was brave to think it, let alone, say it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;He did, I thought they were absolutely outstanding, a great watch and brilliant to witness.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">City must overturn a nine-point gap to reclaim their position at the top of English football and that deficit could shrink to six points should they triumph in their game in hand.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33722358\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33722358\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.56\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Rodri and Bukayo Saka compete for possession in Manchester City vs Arsenal\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722358.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2267943571.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722358.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2267943571.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722358.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2267943571.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33722358.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2267943571.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Manchester City face Arsenal in the Premier League later this month\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Manchester City face Arsenal in the Premier League later this month<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium would leave just three points separating the sides heading into the final five fixtures of the campaign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Micah Richards added: &#8220;I don&#8217;t think teams in the Premier League play like that. Arsenal wouldn&#8217;t be that high, it&#8217;s almost like they went into the game thinking they can turn up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;They have loads of ball players, we have to give a shoutout to Dowman, on another day he scores a couple of goals but couldn&#8217;t get his touch right in the last bit of it but when you look at Arsenal and think Dowman is the best player, the senior players need to step up now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Lineker continued: &#8220;The next two games are massive, they need to steady the ship. They have a huge lead in the Premier League.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;City have a game (in hand) and play Arsenal at the Etihad, so it could go down to three but it has to. It&#8217;s squeaky bum time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Up to 70% off Arsenal kits and merch<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article32730319.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Untitled-9jpeg.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>Various Prices<\/p>\n<p>Kitbag<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/kitbag.evyy.net\/c\/344386\/789332\/11316?subId1=Regionals-football.london&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kitbag.com%2Fen%2Fpremier-league%2Farsenal%2Fo-54310484%2Bt-47520158%2Bz-81-746375396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Buy Now on Kitbag<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Kitbag has slashed the price of Arsenal kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arsenal&#8217;s defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final has shown Manchester City and others a blueprint on how to beat Mikel Arteta&#8217;s side Mikel Arteta has been told that a worrying blueprint has emerged for Arsenal&#8217;s opponents(Image: (John Walton\/PA Wire)) Alan Shearer has suggested the strategy Manchester City must employ to overcome Arsenal in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2985\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}