Arsenal gunning for us - City stars

23 April 2010 16:35
POINT TO PROVE: Emmanuel Adebayor's controversial celebration against ArsenalManchester City will face a backlash from embittered Arsenal when the two sides meet at the Emirates on Saturday. That is the view of Blues aces Nigel de Jong and Micah Richards, who believe that memories of the incident-packed 4-2 defeat at Eastlands in September will drive the Gunners to try to spike City's Champions League ambitions. Former Arsenal hero Emmanuel Adebayor was at the heart of the controversy in the first meeting, landing two FA charges - for a stamp on Robin van Persie, and a wild celebration in front of the away fans. "They look like they are out of the title race, but that can either work for you or against you," said Dutch midfielder de Jong. "Maybe for them the pressure is off and they will go hard on us. "We have a little bit of history with them from what happened in our first game with them this season, so I don't think they will go easy on us. "We still have everything in our own hands. It's not an easy road to the end of the season. Arsenal in their own stadium will be hard and will need 200 per cent. I wasn't even born when City last won at Arsenal, when I believe Rodney Marsh scored, but that kind of historical detail doesn't change our minds at all. "We have to go there looking for a win. It won't be an easy game, but that's what you expect when you play a top four side." Richards, who scored the opener in the first game, also feels there will be something in the air when the teams walk out at the Emirates. "They will want revenge. I thought we played a decent game at home but at the Emirates they are a different team," he said. "But we will go there with confidence, and a belief that on our day we can beat anyone." All eyes will be on Adebayor, and City skipper Kolo Toure, one of five former Arsenal men in the City ranks, has felt the need to talk to Adebayor about it. "I had a word with him, and Patrick had a word with him as well," said the skipper. "I told him just to calm down and focus on the game. "If we start to be emotional that's when we can drop some points. For us the most important thing is to win the game." What team and tactics should City employ against Arsenal? Have your say. | Submit Comments| Comments (47)| PrintWhat's this? Emaildel.icio.usDiggredditFacebookStumbleUponNewsvineGoogle BookmarksNetscapeTechnoratiWindows LiveYahoo! MyWebMa.gnolia

Source: Man_City