Arsenal vs. Manchester City: 5 Keys to a Gunners Victory

Sunday's crunch encounter with a wounded Manchester City team has huge implications for the Gunners and their top-four destiny.

The Citizens are likely still smarting from the inexplicable way they have allowed rival United to overhaul them in the title race. Roberto Mancini's team will be as desperate for points as Arsene Wenger's men.

Although the free-flowing football that City began the season playing is now a distant memory, they are still a powerful and dangerous squad. Arsenal cannot afford to lose more ground in the crowded race for a top-four finish, especially after last week's debacle against Queens Park Rangers.

Here are the five things Arsenal must get right if they want to maintain their grip on third place and deepen City's misery.

1. Robin Van Persie Must Get the Better of Vincent Kompany

The matchup between the Premier League's best striker and finest central defender is likely to be the most intriguing battle this Sunday.

Robin van Persie has to find ways to consistently elude the attentions of Kompany. The prolific Dutchman has been held scoreless in his last two appearances against City, and the strong and crafty Belgian has had a lot to do with that.

Kompany combines power, speed and intelligence, and van Persie will have to rely on his technique and flair to outwit the Belgian. If van Persie gets the better of these exchanges, expect him to end his mini goal drought and fire Arsenal to victory.

2. Support Robin Van Persie

Van Persie can't be expected to do it all alone against an accomplished City back line. Arsenal must ensure they provide consistent and ample support for their star striker.

That support will come from the wide forwards, and while Theo Walcott has been on form in recent weeks, the left side has let the Gunners down. Misfiring duo Aaron Ramsey and Gervinho have failed to convince on the left side of Arsenal's front three and must use this game to recapture the scoring touch.

The case against Ramsey maybe slightly unjust given his natural instincts as a central player. There are merits to playing a central midfielder as a false No. 11 for Arsenal.

The tactic frees Walcott to play closer to van Persie rather that attempting to provide balance by matching the width on the left flank. However, Ramsey has looked lost at times in this role, and his eye for goal has certainly deserted him.

That could encourage Wenger to give Gervinho the chance to justify the sizable fee Arsenal paid for him this summer. The Ivory Coast star began his Gunners career brightly, but his continued inability to hold down a regular starting spot is a growing cause for concern.

He certainly appears short of confidence, but only regular action will solve that problem. Gervinho is capable of being the more direct foil that a striker as cerebral as van Persie can benefit from.

3. Attack City's Full-Backs

Whichever combination of foursome Micah Richards, Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov play, Arsenal must ensure they attack City's full backs.

Gunners fans know as well as any that Clichy is prone to critical mistakes when put under pressure, while Richards is guilty of lapses in concentration. Both Zabaleta and Kolarov are rash in the challenge and Arsenal have the speed to get behind both of them.

The Gunners' own full-backs will be crucial, as will Theo Walcott. Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna have been in fine form in recent weeks, with Gibbs in particular carrying a genuine threat when venturing forward.

They can keep City's full-backs pinned back and allow Walcott the freedom to use his pace on deadly runs to the inside.

4. Tightly Mark Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero has been very effective against Arsenal this season. Marking him tightly and nullifying his pace and trickery will be key for the Gunners back four.

The Argentine's skill and clever footwork caused Arsenal problems in the league and Carling Cup meetings, both 1-0 defeats. Although Laurent Koscielny struggled at times against bullish QPR front man Bobby Zamora, Ageuro is the kind of opponent he could excel against.

Koscielny has the anticipation and timing to routinely foil Aguero in possession. The Frenchman should be tasked with sticking close to the lively Citizens forward.

5. Crowd David Silva Away from the Box

There are many reasons why City's form has plummeted in recent weeks. Temperament and lack of cohesion as a true team are certainly viable reasons, but the lack of production from chief playmaker David Silva is the main cause of City's strife.

Teams have been content to simply let Silva have the ball on the halfway line but double and triple team him around the box. The extra attention paid to Silva the closer he gets to the box has meant that he has been unable to provide the consistent quality supply to City's forward line.

Arsenal must look to do the same and crowd the Spanish schemer out of the danger areas. If the Gunners keep Silva quiet, they will emerge with a crucial win.

Arsenal Cannot Afford Consecutive Defeats in Top Four Race

The Gunners simply cannot risk suffering back-to-back defeats in the fight for a top-four finish. That makes Arsenal's need for three points as great as their title chasing opponents.

Wenger's team is still in a commanding position, but Tottenham Hotspur are only fourth by virtue of a solitary goal. Chelsea have momentum and confidence from their success in other competitions, and Newcastle United have the knack for grinding out results.

A slip at home to City and Arsenal could suddenly find themselves scrambling for the chance to play a qualifier this August.