MARTIN KEOWN: Man City will have to change how they play against Arsenal
Manchester City have paid an expensive price during this international break in losing Kyle Walker and John Stones, because they were crucial to the way boss Pep Guardiola wanted to approach this Premier League title showdown.
For City, there might be some irritation over their involvement for England against Brazil and Belgium.
Players are never going to be defined by what they do in a friendly for their country, whereas they will be measured by how many trophies they win at their club. But Walker and Stones deserve credit, not criticism, for wanting to represent England rather than finding a reason to withdraw to save themselves for Arsenal.
Gone are the days when I would turn up for an England friendly wondering which of Manchester United's players might vanish! Like in March 1998, when David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Andy Cole and more went missing for a match against Switzerland, with it transpiring Sir Alex Ferguson had told them to prioritise their treble chase!
I never turned down the chance to play for my country and I know how Walker and Stones will be feeling. In February 1999, England faced France in a friendly a week before a certain Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal.
United had one player who started for either side versus our six and in the 86th minute I chased after my club colleague Nicolas Anelka, felt my hamstring, and was forced to miss that huge trip to Old Trafford.
That is the risk you run with these friendlies if you are honest enough to play and now, unfortunately for Walker and Stones, they are out of Sunday's clash.
That is a boost to Arsenal and a blow to City because of what they can bring to the team. Had Walker been available, he would have brought his pace in
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
