Before Arsenal’s loss to Manchester City last weekend, the Gunners were tipped to have a good campaign, mostly due to the amount of changes they brought into their side during the summer.

Arsenal’s loss to the champions has made people change their opinion on how their season will pan out, but I don’t think it’s fair and wise to judge them based on that one game. It’s still young in the season, and there are so many games to go. Besides, it was against a side that walked away with the title in dominant fashion last season.

On Saturday, we will be taking them on in what would be our second meeting in a month. The last time we met them was during pre-season where we lost to them in penalties after playing one goal apiece at full time.

Saturday’s game will be more competitive because it’s a league game, and stakes will be higher. We cannot afford to play the game with the idea that they’ll be an easy win because we may end up getting disappointed. We must have it at the back of our minds that they’re the same old Arsenal. Our games with them haven’t particularly been difficult, but it hasn’t been one-sided,  and of recent they have gotten the better of us more than we’d have thought, so it does promise to be a cracker.

Maurizio Sarri must also have a backup plan for this clash, in case his initial approach fails. Arsenal are naturally a passing team, but for us, that type of football is still new. Perhaps, it wouldn’t hurt to have an alternative plan in case we’re bested in that department.

I have full confidence we can win the game. We just need to prepare enough because they say, “victory loves preparation.”