Mark Goldbridge: Arsenal are still pretenders to Man City’s throne, but Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are world-class

In an unique column for talkSPORT.com, Mark Goldbridge delivers his verdict forward of Man Metropolis vs Arsenal this weekend.

The Premier League is again, and it is again with a bang with an enormous title showdown on Sunday – how will come out on high? And is Bukayo Saka actually world-class?

Sunday’s conflict between Man Metropolis and Arsenal may have big implications on this season’s Premier League title raceCredit score: Getty

Arsenal would be the underdogs within the recreation and they’ve to get a end result in the event that they wish to win the Premier League.

Arsenal are the pretenders to the throne and Manchester Metropolis are the very best – they received the treble final 12 months and I nonetheless have them as favourites to win the league.

Man Metropolis do it week-in week out and there’s a sense with Arsenal that they’re on the journey to that.

However they’ve had a few fortunate escapes, Man Metropolis. I definitely don’t assume they need to be as near Liverpool as they’re.

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I believe it was a penalty [the late incident between Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister in the recent 1-1 draw] and there have been a few different choices, however we’re the place we’re.

We’ve clearly had a protracted pause of motion over the worldwide break and that may be or a nasty factor – numerous gamers go away for worldwide responsibility and the finger can go off the heart beat a little bit bit in relation to the title race.

That is such an enormous recreation and Man Metropolis clearly have the benefit being at residence, however after a world break you’re going to lose a little bit of rhythm.

Arsenal had such good rhythm earlier than, can they take that into the Etihad?

Manchester United fan Goldbridge admits he can only see Man City winning the title this season — Manchester United fan Goldbridge admits he can solely see Man Metropolis successful the title this seasonCredit score: talkSPORT

Former colleagues Guardiola and Arteta will go head-to-head again in what is fast becoming one of England's top rivalries — Former colleagues Guardiola and Arteta will go head-to-head once more in what’s quick changing into considered one of England’s high rivalriesCredit score: Getty

Saka is world-class… Foden?

Lots has been fabricated from the person participant battles on this recreation, particularly Rodri vs Declan Rice.

Declan Rice is having an incredible season and will properly be up for Participant of the Yr. It’s very uncommon that you simply get a £100million participant who justifies that charge virtually immediately.

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“I believe he’s gone into that Arsenal staff and added one thing they wanted and it’s ridiculously spectacular that he’d been so constant making that step up.

However you then’ve bought Rodri, who’s the elite holding midfielder in world soccer in the meanwhile.

There’s additionally been numerous discuss, particularly with England, about Phil Foden vs Bukayo Saka – I really favor Saka to Foden.

I believe what he’s carried out in his profession is extra spectacular within the sense that Arsenal weren’t a longtime staff, he got here again from that miss within the Euros last and he’s been ridiculously constant week-in week-out in an Arsenal aspect that’s nonetheless rising.

Phil Foden is a improbable participant however he’s in a staff surrounded by wonderful gamers and is being coached by an incredible supervisor in Pep Guardiola. I’m not taking something away from Foden, I simply favor Saka.

Saka and Foden's Premier League stats this season — Saka and Foden’s Premier League stats this seasonCredit score: talkSPORT

I believe all people has a person appreciation for what ‘world-class’ means – I converse to some folks and it’s wonderful what they deem to be ‘world-class’.

James Maddison is just not world-class. He’s participant however he’s not world-class, however some folks (Spurs followers) would say that he’s.

I do assume Saka is world-class, as a result of his consistency for the reason that Euros has been so good, that I genuinely assume he’s world-class. I believe he’s a participant who would drop into most groups.

Some folks really feel you’ve bought to win one thing, however I disagree with that. There are numerous gamers who’re world-class who by no means performed within the World Cup as a result of their nationwide staff wasn’t adequate to do it.

Erling Haaland doesn’t play in worldwide tournaments, however he’s undoubtedly a world-class striker.

I believe Saka is world-class and I believe extra gamers in that Arsenal staff can change into world-class. I’d say Odegaard, if Arsenal really obtain issues, would begin breaking into that bracket.