Samir Nasri: When you play at Arsenal, you benefit from real media exposure

Ahead of tonight’s top-of-the-table clash in the Premier League between Manchester City and Arsenal, former French international Samir Nasri gave his thoughts to L’Équipe on his former clubs’ seasons.

Having explained that he sees the hosts as the favourites for tonight – and that the Gunners’ title challenge is wilting due to a lack of high-level experience – the Canal+ pundit goes on to assert that some City players may also be underrated by the English media.

“When you play at Arsenal, you benefit from real media exposure. I saw it when I went to City. Even when I had a great season in 2013/14, I wasn’t in the limelight that much even though we were champions. I get the feeling it’s the same now – [Bukayo] Saka is doing great in terms of statistics [14 goals, 11 assists in all competitions]. But it would be interesting to compare with those of Riyad Mahrez [15 goals, 8 assists] and see whether we’re talking as much about the two players. Maybe that discrepancy is because there are a lot of former Arsenal players in the media [smiles]!”

Nasri adds that he believes that without his thigh injury in the second half of the 2010/11 season – when he was still at Arsenal – he could have been named Premier League player of the year. The award was eventually won by Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić, with the Red Devils winning the title and Arsenal finishing fourth. That season, the former French international scored 15 goals in all competitions and registered 5 assists. He moved on to Manchester City in the summer, and would lift the Premier League trophy the following season.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin