Arsenal are having a nightmare following two back to back away defeats against Liverpool and West Brom. City, too, were in search of a win after drawing their previous two home fixtures against Stoke City and Liverpool. However, Arsenal vs Manchester City, a crucial match from ‘top-four’ perspective, ended up all square at Etihad as the travellers failed to keep hold of their lead twice into the game thus ended 2-2.
The result would not help either of them in their chase for a Champions League place, especially Arsenal who are now in real trouble as they are yet to play a few big games and their substandard form against top six will be a worrying sign for the Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger who himself is under massive pressure amidst the outrage of the fuming fan base.
The game, however, had a few things to be talked upon.
Man City’s Midfield Dominance
It is usually hard to have full control of midfield against a top-notch outfit, particularly in an away fixture. City’s passing game should have been countered more aggressively by Gunners’ midfield. Granit Xhaka is yet to settle in and struggled to keep hold of the ball time and again. Francis Coquelin tried his best to combat against the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho, but the midfield trio of City were throughout superlative and Mesut Ozil’s inertia never helped his side to take full control of the game from the middle of the park.
Wenger was short of options due to the absence of Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the gaffer should have introduced Alex Iwobi much earlier who looked impressive and purposeful in his late cameo.
Navas at Right Back – Pep Desperately Needs to Strengthen His Back-line
Guardiola is considered one of the most attacking managers of European football, but he should have worked on strengthening his back-line last summer.
Skipper Vincent Kompany has struggled due to injury concerns since the past few campaigns and youngster John Stones needs time to settle in unalike circumstances to Everton. Neither Pablo Zabaleta nor Bacary Sagna has managed to earn Pep’s trust in the right fullback and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich gaffer was forced to play Fernandinho against Liverpool and Jesus Navas this evening in a make-shift role.
Navas somehow dealt with in-form Chilean Alexis Sanchez despite early hiccups, however, City back-line conceded the first Gunner’s goal due to defensive flaw and their weakness to defend set-pieces was exposed once again when Mustafi scored from Ozil’s corner to level the scoreline. Like Liverpool, defence has cost City’s title hopes and Pep needs defensive reinforcements before next campaign.
A Sigh of Relief for the Reds and the Red Devils
The draw has helped Liverpool and Manchester United more than these two who locked horns this evening to get back to winning ways. Liverpool had the most productive weekend as they managed to knock Everton down in Merseyside derby and their top four rivals Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all have dropped points in this gameweek. United, who failed to beat West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, are not that much impacted as well following the Emirates outcome.
Nevertheless, the top four race is still wide open as Spurs, Arsenal and both Manchester Clubs are yet to play a few games among themselves. Liverpool have already played out Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, City, United and Everton twice this season thus, have a better opportunity to grab a Champions League spot unless they fumble against the so called ‘minnows’ like they did previously during this campaign.
