William Gallas Stripped Of Captaincy

Arsenal vs Manchester City. This should be an easy match in normal circumstances but seeing how the Gunners capitulated against Aston Villa 0-2, I am not so sure of their chances. It was all the more disappointing after a confidence-boosting win over Manchester United and a rousing victory by the reserves in the Carling Cup.

Even Arsene Wenger, who rarely gives the other team credit, admitted that Villa deserved to win. Hopefully, Wenger can solve Arsenal’s defensive breakdowns and inability to generate consistent pressure on the opposing team.

Right now that Arsenal is in a bit of a crisis, losing four games in their first 13 matches, I am glad William Gallas has been stripped of the captaincy and he is not likely to feature against Manchester City. Well, Gallas was never a popular choice for me.

Arsenal must rebound with a victory against City, else they’ll risk falling even further off the pace. Losing Theo Walcott to a shoulder injury, and not having the suspended Cesc Fabregas will compromise their position, but Emmanuel Adebayor is back.

Manchester City would love to have Arsenal’s problems. Despite spending millions on Robinho, Vincent Kompany, Jo, and Shaun Wright Phillips, the club has been in a free-fall. City have not won since October 26, and have lost 5 out of their last 8 matches, including losses to Wigan, Bolton, and Middlesbrough, as well as blowing a late lead against Liverpool.

Mark Hughes got the vote of confidence from the board, but it doesn't mean much. Manchester City desperately need a good result here, or else they they’ll have to start worrying about relegation (they’re only 3 points clear of last place West Brom).

Who will win this battle of underachieving teams? Tune in and find out!