Arsenal’s miserable form away from home against big clubs continue as they slump to a 1-0 victory at the hands of Manchester City this evening. The Gunners were the second-best side for the most part of the game, despite some glimpses here and there as Raheem Sterling’s early goal helped the Sky Blues seal all three points at the Etihad.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Manchester City
Bernd Leno 7.5/10
Bernd Leno made a couple of excellent saves, and his positioning was top-class, as ever. Unfortunately, the German could have done very little to prevent Raheem Sterling from scoring the only goal of the match.
Hector Bellerin 6.5/10
Hector Bellerin was completely bamboozled by Sterling for a late Manchester City chance. Aside from that, though, the right-back was quite competent despite the lack of support he received due to Arsenal’s left-sided overload.
David Luiz 7/10
David Luiz looked promising with his passes out from the back this evening. He didn’t exactly look vulnerable at the back either, though he was lucky to get away with a touch that could have found his own net in the second half.
Gabriel Magalhaes 6.5/10
Gabriel Magalhaes lacked the composure and calmness he had shown prior to this game. The Brazilian, however, was quite solid in the second half, making multiple interceptions.
Kieran Tierney 7.5/10
Kieran Tierney showed remarkable determination to create an excellent scoring opportunity for Bukayo Saka late in the first half. The Scot had a hard time dealing with Riyad Mahrez, but his seemingly telepathic understanding with Saka is a positive sign for Arsenal.
Dani Ceballos 6.5/10
Dani Ceballos had an interesting role in midfield this evening as he operated almost as a number six, deeper than his partner Granit Xhaka. It may have played a key role in restricting his freedom.
Granit Xhaka 6/10
Xhaka had some difficulty in dealing with the quality midfielders of Manchester City. He didn’t have the freedom to impose his authority, despite looking tidy with his passes at times.
Bukayo Saka 8/10
Saka was the only real bright spot for Arsenal going forward this evening. The Englishman looked menacing on the ball while his combination play with Tierney caused a lot of problems for the Man City backline. Had his effort saved by Ederson late in the first half.
Nicolas Pepe 6/10
It was yet another ineffective attacking display from Nicolas Pepe, whose silky feet just wasn’t enough to cause problems for the opposition. He clearly needs to be more productive and versatile.
Willian 6/10
Surprisingly started ahead of Alexandre Lacazette and operated in an auxiliary number nine role. Unfortunately, the Brazilian provided very little to the pitch and just wasn’t involved enough in the proceedings.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 6.5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again lacked involvement, as he has done so far this campaign. The Gabonese did thread a few good passes, including the one to tee up Saka in the first half, but he needs to be much more involved in the game if Arsenal are to have any chances of breaking down opposing defences.
SUBSTITUTES
Alexandre Lacazette 6/10
Replaced Willian in the second half and offered a bit more physicality in the number nine role. It made very little impact on the overall proceedings, though.
Eddie Nketiah N/A
Replaced Pepe during the late stages of the game. Should have been brought in much earlier by Mikel Arteta.
Thomas Partey N/A
Made his Arsenal debut by coming on for Xhaka late in the game.
