Four wins out of four and no goals conceded in the Barclays Premier League and the Carling Cup represent the kind of start to 2009/10 that all City fans would have hoped for, but the arrival of the Gunners presents a sternest challenge faced so far this season.
City’s “goals for” column could be showing a higher total had more of the chances created been converted, and while accepting that the Gunners are a talented outfit, Hughes is adamant that his side can outsmart them if they really find their best form.
“Thinking back to last year, for example the game against Portsmouth, when everything clicks we can create chances, and take them,” he said.
“Arsenal are an outstanding side if you let them dictate the play and allow them to get their tails up they can hurt you collectively and individually.
They have great individual talents within a way of playing that lets them create chances, and if they get it right on the day, they can do a lot of damage. We feel we have that capacity as well, but we have not yet showed it this season.
...Mark Hughes
Arsenal left Manchester empty-handed when they visited Old Trafford two weeks ago, slipping to a 2-1 defeat after taking the lead in the first half through Andrey Arshavin, who looks set to miss out this week through an injury exacerbated while on international duty.
The City boss saw that defeat to United first-hand but is wary of what Arsene Wenger’s side could produce, and he added:
“They are a very good side, I went to game at Old Trafford and was very impressed with them. I thought they were the best team on the day, and they should have won. I’m sure a lot of Arsenal people must have been scratching their heads after the game, wondering how they lost it, but that can happen in the Premier League.”
