'It's not the end' - William Saliba bizarrely insists Arsenal can LOSE to Manchester City in blockbuster clash and still win Premier League title

It has been nearly nine years since the Gunners last won away at the Etihad Stadium in any competition, making Sunday's game a significant hurdle. However, their Community Shield victory over the Cityzens earlier in the season will boost their morale before flying to Manchester. They are just two points behind the reigning champions and a victory would see them go top.

However, Saliba believes that even a potential loss in Manchester will not derail Arsenal’s championship aspirations.

Speaking to FOX Sports, the French centre-back explained: "If you win against them but not against others it doesn't mean anything. So, of course, we want to win this weekend and we will give everything to win but it’s not the end on Sunday."

To secure a positive result at the Etihad, Arsenal will have to keep one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, Erling Haaland, in check. The Norwegian forward has been in lethal form this season, having already netted nine goals in just four Premier League matches.

Nonetheless, Saliba remains confident that Arsenal can contain him and said: "He is a great player, one of the best in the world. It is difficult to play against him but last season we gave everything to stop him from scoring and he didn't succeed."

However, Arsenal will have one less threat to contend with as Kevin de Bruyne has been sidelined with a groin injury that he picked up against Inter in the Champions League. The Gunners, meanwhile, will be without their influential captain, Martin Odegaard, who is nursing ankle ligament damage. With both teams missing their respective midfield maestros, the battle in the centre of the park will get a new dimension.