Haaland-Havertz: a stylish subplot in which City's goal machine faces Arsenal's false 9 | first division

Sir Alex Ferguson once said: “Attack wins you games, defense wins you championships.” the meeting of city ​​of manchester and Arsenal on Sunday could well prove the former Manchester United manager right.

The teams have very different styles when it comes to their center forwards. Manchester City have arguably the best number 9 in the world, Erling Haaland, while Kai Havertz takes on the role of a false 9 to Arsenal. The contrasts make for an intriguing match at the Etihad, with both teams knowing the importance of the result.

Haaland has been sensational since he arrived at the first division from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. Pep Guardiola identified what City needed to do to go from rivals to Champions League winners, effectively selecting four centre-backs and buying a striker who could make the difference. The plan was to have Haaland as the focal point and work around the centre-forward, ensuring he remained central, within the width of the area. If he stood up, he would pass it back to his teammates, but Guardiola didn't want him to run channels because he would block other people's passing lanes. He was incredible last season and it is no coincidence that City won the treble.

City kept Haaland fit during his first year and he repaid them with an incredible 36 goals in 35 Premier League appearances. It's an impressive statistic by any standard, setting a very high bar, but it's unrealistic to reach that level every season. This time he has 18 goals in 23 appearances and is the league's top scorer but he still receives criticism. It is true that his xG has gone down, but he continues to prove to be the best in the country.

There are reasons why things have changed slightly at City. Haaland entered a team in which the midfielders and wingers were established, but this summer there were some changes. Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gündogan departed, requiring some reconfiguration. As good as Haaland is, it takes him time to adapt to the new people around him and vice versa.

It is Haaland's movement that makes the difference. There is a similarity with Lionel Messi in that the best players can look like they are out of the game, the opponents let their guard down and suddenly score a goal. Arsenal's centre-backs will be very aware of this.

Mikel Arteta, like his former mentor Guardiola, decided he needed to make a change if he wanted to improve Arsenal's forward line. Eyebrows were raised when £65m was spent on Havertz, a player who struggled for consistency in three seasons at Chelsea but, like Haaland, has many years ahead of him. At 24, Havertz has already won the Champions League and scored the decisive goal against City in the 2021 final, and that experience is vital for a team chasing silverware.

Havertz is technically good but I thought they signed him more for his height. Last summer, Arsenal recruited Declan Rice and Havertz, both over 6ft. The German is not exactly a bully center forward but he has a physical presence.

Arteta also hired David Raya, whose distribution, especially on long positions, is one of the best in the industry. If a team is more direct at times, they need someone who can hold the ball, throw it and bring a little physicality to the field, something Havertz offers. I think the false 9 is his best position, although he is versatile. When he was at Bayer Leverkusen he seemed to feel comfortable in that position. It is best when he gets into spacious spaces with his back to the goal, allowing others to work alongside him. He brings a dimension to Arsenal that didn't exist last season.

The narrative has changed for Arsenal since Christmas. Before it looked like they weren't going to score enough, but since then they have had an incredible run, looking freer in their attacking style and scoring regularly from set pieces. Arsenal have scored seven more goals than City this season, helping them into top spot heading into the weekend, while City sit in third place, one point behind.

In this match almost a year ago, City completely dominated. winning 4-1. Arsenal have become stronger thanks to Raya, William Saliba's return to form and the arrival of Rice in midfield. Havertz has also made a difference. His recent home and away wins against Brentford earned Arsenal four bonus points and he provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli in the first leg against City, which Arsenal won 1-0. These are the fine margins that can decide a title race.

City's home advantage could be important, but they are concerned about Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji suffering injuries on international duty, and it is unclear if Ederson is fit to return. It could result in a very modified City backline, which is hardly ideal for Guardiola against the best attack (and defense) in the league.

Haaland and Havertz have changed sides for the better. Whichever number 9 (traditional or fake) has the most effect at the Etihad could help decide whether City or Arsenal finish the season as the undisputed number 1.