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Mikel Arteta claimed Takehiro Tomiyasu was the one player all his coaching staff would bet on to produce a title-winning moment.
On Wednesday, Manchester City beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium to seize the momentum in the title race.
The victory saw Pep Guardiola’s men leapfrog Arsenal to go top of the table on goal difference, albeit having played a game more.
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City opened the scoring in the first half courtesy of a poor Tomiyasu backpass that allowed Kevin de Bruyne to loft a finish over Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Arsenal deservedly drew level three minutes before half-time through a Bukayo Saka penalty.
Yet Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland struck in the second half to give City an unassailable lead.
Arteta’s support for Tomiyasu
Arteta threw his support behind Tomiyasu despite his blunder against City on Wednesday.
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The Arsenal boss insisted Tomiyasu was the player he and his coaching staff would have faith in above anyone to produce a ‘title-winning clearance’.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Saturday encounter against Aston Villa, Arteta said: “I think if we had a bet of all the staff and players at Colney and said ‘Okay, if someone has to do a clearance for us tomorrow to win the league, we have to pick one player’, we’d all pick Tomiyasu.
“All of us.
“But this is football and these things happen, it doesn’t matter whether you are 22, 28 or 31.
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“And the end of the day the kids can make mistakes and the more senior players as well. And we have made mistakes.
“Fortunately, it hasn’t cost us many points but we have made quite a lot.”
Arsenal could temporarily regain top spot if they avoid defeat against Villa, who are managed by Arteta’s predecessor Unai Emery.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa