Maresca noted, “Ultimately, if you aspire to be competitive, you need options. Arsenal have options. We have options.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has said that, unlike last season, his team now has the squad depth needed to compete with English Premier League (EPL) champions Arsenal.
The Italian tactician made this known on Saturday following the Citizens’ 1-0 victory over visiting Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium.
A lone first-half header from Erling Haaland was enough to give the hosts all three points.
Meanwhile, in addition to the £116 million invested in Elliot Anderson earlier in the summer, Man City concluded the transfer window strongly, signing Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86 million, while also adding Iliman Ndiaye and Enzo Fernandez for £65 million and £125 million respectively on deadline day.
Last season, the blue half of Manchester finished as Premier League runners-up, seven points behind Arsenal.
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However, after the narrow victory over Coventry, Maresca said he is confident that his squad has sufficient depth to challenge the North London club.
Speaking after City’s third win of the season, he said, “If you look since the Community Shield, we played the Community Shield and then Arsenal played two additional matches [against Coventry and Aston Villa] and they made five changes in each game.
“They have two World Cup winners, [Mikel] Merino and [Martin] Zubimendi, two England players, [Eberechi] Eze and [Noni] Madueke, and another player I cannot recall, I believe it was [Piero] Hincapie.
“Ultimately, if you aspire to be competitive, you need options. Arsenal have options. We have options.
“Other teams also have options, but it is not limited to us. I am very pleased with the options we have, as this is crucial for us if we aim to compete.”
Man City currently lead the league table with nine points after victories over Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Coventry City, but Arsenal or Chelsea could leapfrog them with a win in the London derby on Sunday.
