Arsenal are the underdogs in this year’s ‘ top four’ contention but managed a solid start of the new Premier League campaign despite disappointing outcomes in few opening fixtures. They have won 4 out of 5 of their previous league outings and were looking to maintain their good run at Etihad against mighty Manchester City who have been unbeaten so far in all competitions and currently top of the Premier League table.
The game, however, finished in disappointment for the Gunners who suffered a 3-1 defeat despite an encouraging second-half display.
Below are the Arsenal players rated from their defeat against the Citizens.
Arsenal Players Rated And Slated
Petr Cech: 6.5
The veteran custodian pulled off a number of stunning saves but could not stop his side from conceding thrice at Etihad.
Hector Bellerin: 6.5
Did not offer much in attack but did well to contain Leroy Sane as the German international was mostly quiet this afternoon.
Laurent Koscielny: 6.5
Koscielny should have reacted early in order to stop Kevin De Bruyne’s early opener. Pulled off a number of blocks, tackles, and clearances amidst intense pressure from City attackers.
Francis Coquelin: 5
Coquelin played as a centre-half but lacked composure as he should have done better to close down the one-two played by Fernandinho and De Bruyne as the later broke the deadlock with an excellent strike. Was taken off early in the second-half to be replaced by Alexandre Lacazette.
Nacho Monreal: 6
Monreal was at fault in City’s second of the afternoon when he pulled down Raheem Sterling inside the box with a clumsy challenge and referee Michael Olivier did not hesitate to award a spot-kick which was masterly converted by Sergio Aguero.
Sead Kolasinac: 5.5
Kolasinac failed to deal with Sterling’s pace and Monreal eventually brought him down inside the box. Did not offer much going forward due to relentless Man City attacks.
Granit Xhaka: 6.5
Xhaka was combative in midfield, tried to take control of the game in the middle of the park but could not get better of David Silva and Fernandinho. Was taken off to be replaced by Olivier Giroud late in the game.
Aaron Ramsey: 7.5
Ramsey tried to combine up front and forced Ederson to make a decent stop in closing seconds of the first-half. Assisted Lacazette in Arsenal’s only goal of the afternoon.
Alex Iwobi: 6
The youngster tried his level best to create opportunities up front but fell short on most occasions against a resilience City backline. Was replaced by Jack Wilshere late in the game.
Mesut Ozil: 5
The Germany international played the entire game and failed to combine up front with Alexis Sanches who looked agonizingly off-colour this afternoon.
Alexis Sanchez: 5
The Chilean never looked threatening in front of goal as he was being dispossessed frequently by John Stones and losing out the duels as well.
Substitutes
Alexandre Lacazette: 7
Looked impressive since coming on as Coquelin’s replacement and scored the only Arsenal goal of this afternoon.
Olivier Giroud: 5
Did not offer much in attack and failed to alter the outcome.
Jack Wilshere: 6.5
Replaced Iwobi late in the game. Played some purposeful passes and made a couple of decent runs. Could not change the fate of the game though.
