3 reasons why Manchester City will beat Arsenal in the Premier League today

Defensive boost

The clean sheet on Wednesday was also a timely boost for a defence that has received its fair share of criticism this season.

City hadn’t kept a clean sheet since their 4-0 thumping of West Brom on October 29, eight games ago, and their last shutout at the Etihad was against Bournemouth back on September 17.

Guardiola reverted to a back four against Watford following the debacle at Leicester last weekend and, although Watford haven’t got the most lethal attack in the league, the City defence looked a lot more comfortable, which is surely a signal to the manager to keep faith with a back four against the Gunners.

City were better organised and appeared to have a greater understanding of one another’s roles and positioning, and they’ll take that confidence into today’s clash.