Mark Goldbridge: Why Arsenal will beat Man City even without Bukayo Saka – and don’t write off Liverpool in title race

Manchester City will lose against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday — regardless of whether Bukayo Saka misses out due to injury.

That is the view of talkSPORT host and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge, who believes the Gunners will leapfrog the Citizens in the table.

Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season in all competitions on Tuesday night when they lost 2-1 away at Lens in the Champions League.

But what is arguably a bigger blow for the north Londoners is that star winger Saka limped off injured in the first-half.

Boss Mikel Arteta has Saka is in contention for the clash but the England forward faces a late fitness test.

However Manchester United fan Goldbridge insists Arsenal can prevail against City without him, while also declaring the two title challengers are competing with Liverpool for the league this season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Goldbridge said: «I think Arsenal and Manchester City will be up there, but we've mentioned Liverpool this week for different reasons. 

»I thought for 20 minutes or however long it was before that [Curtis Jones] red card, Liverpool, I think we're going to win that game [vs Tottenham]. And at times with ten men, I thought Liverpool might win that game.

«And even with nine, you wouldn't have bet against them. I think Liverpool this season are the real deal. 

»And I think that if they can recover from that injustice at the weekend, and they're not going to recover from not getting the points, of course, but I think Liverpool are very much up there.

«Do I see anybody else? I don't think, I think it's a stretch too far for a Spurs or a Brighton or an Aston Villa, certainly not Manchester United.

»I don't think Newcastle will be there this year. So, I think Liverpool-Manchester City and Arsenal