[ad_1]
Arsenal slid to their second Premier League defeat of the season when Raheem Sterling’s goal secured all three points for Manchester City in a cautious affair at the Etihad.
The Gunners struggled to deal with Riyad Mahrez in the opening stages and the winger’s vision led to the only goal of the game when he chose Phil Foden, whose attack was parried directly into Sterling by goalkeeper Bernd Leno and the Englishman converted calmly.
Beyond that, Mikel Arteta’s side produced a largely assured performance and Bukayo Saka came close to equalizing, but Arsenal struggled to penetrate City’s defensive line and the hosts held on comfortably.
Positive
For now, at least, Arteta’s men remain just one point behind second, while Saka continues to show glimpses of why he’s such an exciting prospect. If nothing else, the visitors worked tirelessly after the break and could have snatched a point another day had it not been for the impressive Ederson on City’s goal.
Negative
Defensive duties are a daunting prospect for any team making it to the Etihad and Rob Holding’s injury (suffered in warm-up) didn’t help. David Luiz came in to replace him and the Gunners weren’t horrible, but they never seemed to move through the gears as they battled for clear opportunities.
Administrator rating (out of 10)
6 – It didn’t really happen for Arteta’s team here, but Arsenal kept their form well in a disciplined display after some initial pressure. Despite that, the Gunners were perhaps too conservative and the manager barely threw a teaspoon into the City, much less into the kitchen sink.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players submitted after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Bernd Leno, 6 years old – He showed strong hands to ward off Foden’s effort, but pushed the ball straight into the grateful Sterling. The German made a series of smart saves thereafter, first denying Mahrez and then Foden.
DF David Luiz, 6 years old – It was a matter of inches at both ends for the Brazilian, who hit a low cross from Joao Cancelo just outside his own goal before his Kevin De Bruyne-style pass nearly caught Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
DF Gabriel, 7 years old – He showed a lot of authority early on in a typical center-back display, repelled a Bernardo Silva cross before wandering off into the resulting corner, but was punished for giving City too much room when Sterling pounced.
DF Kieran Tierney 6 –– Never shy about charging forward down the left and providing attacking support, but struggled against the pace and style of Mahrez, who was a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side in the first half. To be fair, he was safer after the break, although he was polite by Cancelo.
MF Hector Bellerin, 5 – A steady start to the game, but Bellerin was not covered in glory as he showed Foden inside with too much will in preparation for Sterling’s opener and the latter had him sitting in the second half as City sought the killer goal .
MF Dani Ceballos, 6 – He sent City players back at high speed as he galloped forward before sliding the ball for Aubameyang and produced some calculated passes in the middle. That said, Mahrez’s magnificent vision took him completely out of the game, but produced a nice nutmeg.
MF Xhaka Granite, 6 – He expertly read the danger of launching in the face of Sterling’s ambitious opening attack and applied well in the middle, releasing Aubameyang and then Saka on the flank as he did his best to turn the screw in Arsenal’s favor.
MF Bukayo Saka, 7 years old – Twice he was close to the leveler and twice he was thwarted by Ederson, but he was Arsenal’s brightest spark and showed glimpses of their potential, including a delicious double with Aubameyang to beat the offside trap.
MF Nicolas Pepe, 6 – Pressed well to interrupt City’s attempts to play from behind, but struggled to generate opportunities in front of goal. When a rare opportunity presented itself, he could only head a cross from Aubameyang straight to Ederson and took a hit for his problems.
FW Willian, 5 years – The former Chelsea player has impressed since his move to London, but a series of disappointing set-piece deliveries left City out of harm’s way after a promising play and it was dragged into deep areas far too often.
FW Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 6 years old – Always willing, but without reward. He showed an electric rhythm to smash down the left and win a corner, and he applied again to quickly shut down Ederson, who was lucky enough to see his punt attempt safely deflect for a shot.
Substitutes
MF Thomas Partey, NR – The £ 45 million replaced Arsenal newcomer made his first appearance as an Arsenal player, but had minimal impact, albeit receiving a late booking.
FW Alexandre Lacazette, 6 – He replaced Willian for the last 20 minutes or so, but, like the Brazilian, he was drawn into deep areas where he struggled to cause trouble.
FW Eddie Nketiah, NR – He brought Pepe late when Arteta was looking to sharpen his attack spear, but he struggled to get involved.
