Very different narratives are developing for the two teams at the top of the table. While challengers Arsenal are continuing their underdog tale with added adversity in the form of injuries to key players, Manchester City are turning their attention to an unfolding court room drama. This weekend, the two teams who have been the top two in each of the last two seasons meet at the Etihad. It's early in the campaign so if either team lose there's still plenty of time in the title race but the psychological impact of defeat (or victory) could be massive.
Master v Apprentice: Manchester City v Arsenal (xNarrative = 0.9)
Until Arteta wins the league, he's always likely to be seen as the rookie. Despite his relative inexperience though, his current Arsenal side are producing defensive displays and away form that is being thought of as some of the best of the Premier League era. Whatever happens at City, Arsenal will be tough to beat.
However, for all the positives around Arteta's brilliant defence, Guardiola has set the bar when it comes to attacking teams. His relentless winning machine are themselves in a rich vein of form; winning 13 premier league games in a row (since a 0-0 home draw against... Arsenal).
The only criticism surrounding Guardiola and his juggernaut is about Manchester City's off-field exploits. The long-anticipated ruling on City's 115 charges from the Premier League regarding financial irregularities has begun and will hopefully be concluded before the season is out. Not that it will inhibit Guardiola's expensively assembled elite squad.
Meanwhile, in North London Arteta is facing adversity in the form of key players and new signings succumbing to injury. It is yet to be seen if Arsenal's squad is deep enough to cope or if the relatively inexperienced manager can adapt.
A Tale of Two Strikers
Another advantage that Manchester City seem to hold over Arsenal is their centre-forward. There's no sugar-coating it; Erling Haaland is a freak. His frequency in terms of scoring goals is outrageous. His frequency in terms of scoring hat-tricks beggars' belief.
Conversely, it has been suggested Arsenal need a "proper" centre-forward as the last piece of the jigsaw that could see them usurp City as champions. Ivan Toney was posited as that piece back in January but, between limitations on spending, the suggestion Toney didn't pass Arteta's personality test and Toney's eventual move to the Saudi league, that search continues.
Havertz has started the season as the nominal centre-forward for Arsenal. He has started very well but is much more part of a front line that allows players to drift. Havertz will sometimes drop into midfield to help add physicality, press and hopefully dominate possession. He can also run channels and link up with his fellow forwards. However, his most notable contribution is his ability to act as a target man when Arsenal need to kick the ball long. He is excellent in one-to-one aerial duels which can then allow Arsenal to gain territory in the opposition half.
Last season, Haaland drew a blank in both games against Arsenal. He will be chomping at the bit to score. Both teams, however, may air on the side of caution knowing that to give the opposition the upper hand could prove costly in the long run. Prepare for a tight game.
Rodders you plonker
A tight game will disappoint Manchester City's midfield linchpin, Rodri. Following the 0-0 at the Etihad in March, the Spaniard said, "When they came here, when they faced us at the Etihad, I saw them and (thought) these guys do not want to beat us. They just want to draw."
One wonders, if Arteta had everyone fit and firing, would he try and stick it to Rodri by taking the game to City? As it is, with Captain Odegaard and new signing Merino both out, it seems more likely that Arteta will prepare to utilise Arsenal's biggest strength - the defence. Anyway, isn't the onus on the home side to break down the opposition?