Arsenal entertained Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium earlier today as they hoped to grind out a good result at home. The Gunners made a bright start to the game and got themselves ahead in the 31st minute when Bukayo Saka scored with an excellent finish. The North London outfit defended their narrow advantage well and went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Man City equalised in the 57th minute via Riyad Mahrez’s penalty before Gabriel was sent off just two minutes later. Rodri ended up netting a dramatic injury-time winner for the visitors as the Gunners crashed to a 2-1 defeat in front of their home fans.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed during the clash against Man City.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – 6/10
The English goalie hardly had anything to do in the first half but will be disappointed after conceding two goals in the second.
RB: Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7/10
The Japanese right-back fought for every loose possession of the ball and produced a valiant shift on the defensive end of the field.
CB: Ben White – 6/10
White kept a good shape at the back and cleared the danger when needed. However, he saw all of his good work get undone when Rodri scored the winner in injury-time.
CB: Gabriel – 4/10
He let his teammates down by getting sent off in the 59th minute which gave Man City the encouragement to go on and snatch the win.
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LB: Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
The Scottish full-back was solid when defending inside his half and was responsible for setting up Saka’s goal in the first half.
CM: Thomas Partey – 7/10
He produced a battling display at the centre of the park and made multiple runs with the ball from midfield.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 5.5/10
He gave away a cheap penalty which Mahrez converted to equalise for Man City. Still, besides that mistake, he anchored the midfield with conviction.
RW: Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Saka caused a few problems for the Man City defenders and scored the opening goal with a great finish.
CAM: Martin Odegaard – 6/10
He struggled to get a foothold in the game and got replaced after the hour mark.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5/10
Martinelli caused all sorts of chaos in the Man City defence due to his pace but wasted a glorious chance to regain Arsenal’s lead just after Mahrez’s penalty.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 6/10
He made one key chance in the final third but hardly got a sniff at goal.
Substitutes:
CB: Rob Holding – 6.5/10
Holding made a couple of important interceptions at the back.
CAM: Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10
He often found himself outnumbered in the Man City half.
CM: Mohamed Elneny – N/A
Elneny hardly had any time to influence the game.
