Manchester City vs Arsenal

3-0

On Wednesday evening in Manchester it was The Apprentice vs The Master, as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal looked to cause an upset in their late push for European Football. The away side started comfortably and had a clear plan of trying to exploit City down the wings, however an early injury through Granit Xhaka meant he was forced off within 6 minutes giving the Gunners some re-shuffling to do. The first big chance of the half fell to the hosts as a mistimed challenge from Pablo Mari prevented Sterling from getting a shot off, leading to a free kick just outside the area. De Bruyne was over it for City, but his effort was rather tame compared to his usual standards as Leno tipped the ball over for a corner. The pressure was starting to mount for the home side as Jesus fed David Silva through at a tight angle, with his left footed shot forcing a smart save from Leno down to his left hand side. It seemed as if it was only a matter of time before Pep’s side broke the deadlock, as De Bruyne was having more of a say with every touch, sliding through Mahrez who was completely open on the right hand side leaving him an opportunity to get a shot off with his left foot. Luckily for the Gunners Leno was alert to it and managed to smother the ball to prevent it going in. Then in the 45th Minute a horrendous individual error from David Luiz, letting the ball bounce off his thigh instead of clearing it, meant Sterling was through on goal and made no mistake with the finish. As a result Manchester City went into the break 1-0 up.

The second half started in the same vein as the first as Mahrez picked up the ball after cushioned header down, skipped past David Luiz and into the penalty area where the Brazilian pulled him down leading to a penalty and a red card for Arsenal’s supposedly experienced centre back. Things quickly went from bad to worse as De Bruyne cooly dispatched the spot kick past Leno, giving the sky blues a two goal lead along with an extra player for the remaining 40 minutes. Arsenal’s youngster tried to remain composed as they worked hard to try and win the back ball from a side that was showing their true class on the day, however the game fizzled out until the 90th Minute when City broke again as the fresh legs of Aguero combined with Sterling to carve open the Gunners defence with the Argentine baring down on goal. His shot cannoned off the post and fell kindly to Phil Foden who hit the ball into an empty net making it 3-0. Worryingly for Arteta, the game finished 3-0 without Arsenal registering a single shot on target.

Player Ratings

Bernd Leno

Made some incredible saves in the first half and kept us in the game. Deserved to keep his clean sheet until half time if it weren’t for a individual error. 8/10. My MOTM.

Hector Bellerin

Starting to look a lot sharper, made some nice sliding tackles, however didn’t get an opportunity to cause a threat going forward. 6.5/10

Skhodran Mustafi

Had a very underrated game, was solid defensively and looked comfortable on the ball. Problem is if he doesn’t make a mistake then someone else will. 7/10

Pablo Mari

His lack of pace was exposed a few times and lead to his unfortunate injury, let’s hope it’s not too serious. 6/10

Kieran Tierney

Started really well at left back, bombing up and down the pitch, combining with our wide players. Showed his versatility as he had to step into centre back. One of the only positives. 7/10

Granit Xhaka

Didn’t have enough time to influence the game, let’s hope his injury isn’t serious. N/A

Matteo Guendouzi

Always showed for the ball and was moving it nicely in the first half, covered a lot of ground for the team as well. His lack of defensive awareness is why he is unable to play in a holding role on his own. 6.5/10

Joe Willock

After two excellent performances in friendlies, Joe deserved his start however he didn’t quite take this opportunity as although he worked hard, he didn’t impact the game when in possession. 5/10

Bukayo Saka

Didn’t have much service throughout, however did play a couple of excellent crosses which his teammates should have done better with. Did well to fill in at left back again. 6/10

Aubameyang

Made some lovely runs which his teammates needed to pick him out with, however in the second half he looked frustrated and almost as if he gave up. Need to sort his future out ASAP. 5/10

Eddie Nketiah

Worked his socks off all game and made some brilliant tackles when tracking back. Didn’t get a sniff all game but it didn’t stop him from helping the team out defensively. 7/10

Subs

Dani Ceballos

Tried to control the tempo of our attacks and always offered for the ball. Tracked back well and broke up the play a few times. Good display. 7/10

David Luiz

I have no words for this performance, happens too often with David. Maybe his last game in an Arsenal shirt. 0/10

Alexandre Lacazette

The game was pretty much over when he came on, didn’t get many touches of the ball but worked hard. 6/10

Reiss Nelson

Created our best chance of the game late on with some nice trickery, hopefully we can see more of him in the games to come. 7/10

Maitland-Niles

Played in his preferred position, but couldn’t really control the game as we were getting overrun due to being a man down. 6/10

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James Humphreys