Pep Guardiola had a tricky away fixture this evening against Arsenal following a couple of home draws against Stoke City and Liverpool. Arsenal were having a tough time and two back to back defeats against Liverpool and West Brom had jeopardised Arsene Wenger’s future at the club amidst fumes and outrage from the Gunners’ fan base. However, Manchester City could not capitalise on Arsenal’s issues and had to settle for a 2-2 draw as they failed to hold the lead twice in the game.
Below are the City players rated from the game.
Willy Caballero: 5
The Argentine custodian had a nervy outing and could have done better in Arsenal’s first equaliser. Was forced to make mistakes towards the end by Olivier Giroud.
Jesus Navas: 6
Navas was handed a start in an unusual right fullback role. Despite initial stumbles in front of an in-form Chilean Alexis Sanchez, he settled down well and offered a few great forward runs and crosses in City’s attacks.
John Stones: 6.5
The Englishman is slowly gaining confidence and had another solid performance against the Gunners. However, should have done better in Arsenal’s first goal as it was a collective failure of City back-line who were lethargic and could not clear the ball properly.
Nicolas Otamendi: 5.5
The Argentine was a little rusty with his tackles and should have done a lot better while clearances. Had a howler towards the end that allowed Ozil a free shot at goal, but the German international could not secure a late winner.
Gael Clichy: 6.5
Did well down the left-hand flank to link up with Sane and De Bruyne. Was solid defensively and made a few decent overlapping runs to help his attackers.
Fernandinho: 8
The Brazilian was all over the pitch as he started as a deep lying midfielder after last gameweek’s make-shift right back role. His top-notch tackle inside the box denied Alexis Sanchez from pulling the trigger in the first half. Broke a number of Arsenal’s counter attacks and worked tirelessly in the middle of the park.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8.5
Once again impressed in his free role as he kept on changing the flanks and switching the game using the width of the pitch. Combined well with Sane in City’s opener and was unlucky to be denied by the woodwork twice in first half.
Raheem Sterling: 6
Was not as influential as Leroy Sane and still needs to improve his decision making. Used his pace and skills to cut inside the box, but lacked end product. Was replaced by veteran Yaya Toure at half time.
David Silva: 8
The veteran Spaniard was a tireless runner in midfield and showed why he is considered the best playmaker of Premier League. He kept control of the midfield, impressed with his skills and touches, also terrorised the Gunners’ back-line throughout the game. Was taken off and replaced by Pablo Zabaleta right at the end.
Leroy Sane: 8.5
The young German international has proved his worth once again and shown why he is being preferred over many experienced ones. He not only scored an early goal to earn a lead for his team but also kept on troubling Bellerin throughout the game with his pace, trickery and dribbling.
Sergio Aguero: 7
Aguero found the back of the net after picking up Silva’s pass and restored City’s first half lead minutes before the completion of the first half. Sniffed around Gunners’ box and had a few half chances that he failed to convert.
Substitutes
Yaya Toure: 6
Came as a half-time substitution in place of Raheem Sterling. Held the ball well in midfield and made a few ambitious forward runs.
Pablo Zabaleta: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
