Arsenal vs Manchester City: Mario Balotelli Must Shine in Premier League Clash

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli must shine against Arsenal on Sunday if his club wants any shot of ending their Premier League title drought this season.

The Italian star has been a major headache for manager Roberto Mancini this season because of his off-the-pitch issues and distractions, but there's no denying that Balotelli has a ton of talent.

Mancini recently talked about his striker, saying via Soccernet:

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"I can understand it. I told him, 'If you played with me, ten years ago, I give to you every day one punch in your head!'

"I think in every big game he played very well. I think his problem is his concentration but I work with him every day.

"I speak with him - not every day because if not I need a psychologist - but every two days I speak with him. He doesn't lose his quality. Mario, as a player, can be one of the top in Europe. I don't want him to lose his talent."

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Balotelli has four goals in his last seven matches in all competitions, including two goals in the club's last league match against Sunderland in a 3-3 draw on March 31.

This is a massively important match for City, which means their best attacking players cannot falter. With their defense not playing well of late, players like Balotelli must lead the club and score against the Gunners on Easter Sunday.

I don't consider Balotelli a player who disappears in big games, or someone who shies away from the spotlight, but he must play well against Arsenal because City cannot afford to drop any more points.

With David Silva having no goals and just four assists since Christmas, Balotelli must step up and be brilliant this weekend. 

The Italian scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in October, so we have seen him star on the bright stage.

Balotelli has caused many distractions for City this season, and now he must prove to the club that he's worth the headache because of his talents.

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