Arsenal’s horrendous run of form continues as Manchester City advance to the final four of the Carabao Cup with a 4-1 win at the Emirates this evening. The Gunners were simply dominated by Pep Guardiola’s men, who even capitalised from an early second-half mistake from Runar Alex Runarsson to stage an excellent winning performance with Alexandre Lacazette emerging as the lone scorer for the hosts.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Manchester City
Runar Alex Runarsson 3/10
Alex Runarsson sabotaged Arsenal’s chances in this game in the form of a massive howler that allowed Manchester City to take control of the game. He also should have done a better job in denying Phil Foden from scoring the third, though the Iceland international did make one world-class save in the first half.
Cedric Soares 4/10
Cedric Soares is very basic right-back, who is simply not good enough to make Arsenal better. And the ex-Southampton star tried his best to prove that this evening, with some terrible offensive support and an awful positional sense.
Gabriel 5/10
Gabriel Magalhaes prevailed in most of the duels against the Man City attackers. However, the usual composure and confidence were missing from the Brazilian.
Shkodran Mustafi 4/10
Shkodran Mustafi’s poor marking on Man City’s first and fourth goal made it evident that he clearly does not deserve to be considered for the Arsenal first-team. It won’t be surprising to see the German leaving the club in January.
Sead Kolasinac 5/10
Sead Kolasinac was a much better outlet for Arsenal than Cedric on the opposite flank, which speaks volumes of the club’s overall defensive performance this evening. The Bosnian made some good efforts moving forward, but the creativity was lacking.
Mohamed Elneny 4/10
Mohamed Elneny endured the worst game of the season so far as the Manchester City midfielders completely overran him. He made numerous errors throughout the course of the game and was deservedly taken off around the hour-mark.
Dani Ceballos 5/10
Dani Ceballos showed the intent to make something happen for Arsenal in the middle of the park. But, that was the extent of his contribution as the Spaniard barely managed to make an impact on the proceedings.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 6/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was always an interesting outlet in the attacking third for Arsenal. Although the Englishman wasn’t as effective as he had hoped, it was certainly better than seeing the ageing Willian wallowing around the flanks.
Joe Willock 5/10
Joe Willock failed to provide anything notable on the proceedings. Blocking the Ceballos through pass that initiated the Man City counter-attack for Foden’s goal, was, in fact, his biggest contribution on the night.
Gabriel Martinelli 7/10
Gabriel Martinelli was the only real, impactful attacking presence for Arsenal this evening. The Brazilian showed some intent in the final third, notably providing the cross that led to Lacazette’s goal around the half-hour mark. Unfortunately, he picked up another knock that forced him off early in the second half.
Alexandre Lacazette 6.5/10
Alexandre Lacazette worked hard in the number nine role he was given. He tracked back as usual and tried his best to find the goal, which he did. Subbed off later in the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Nicolas Pepe 4/10
Nicolas Pepe offered nothing after coming on for the injured Martinelli in the second half. His fidgety movements had nothing on the Man City fullbacks.
Emile Smith Rowe 6/10
Created a decent chance for Lacazette shortly after coming on and look a bit more lively than most of his attacking teammates.
Folarin Balogun 6/10
A late replacement for Lacazette, who offered more dynamism in the final third for the Gunners, although it was too little too late.
