Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal

Arsenal suffered defeat for the second time this season, away to Manchester City.
 

It was a close-run game where both teams dominated in spells, but it was the hosts who emerged victorious. 

Captain for the night Raheem Sterling netted the only goal of the game in the first half, stroking the ball into a half empty net following Bernd Leno’s parry back into the danger zone.

The visitors created some chances throughout the game, and were on top for a number of spells, but were unable to convert their chances and fins an equaliser.

 

Here we rate the Arsenal players after the performance on Saturday...

Bernd Leno – 5

The German goalkeeper should have done better for the City goal, when he parried a Phil Foden effort into the path of Sterling, and also allowed Riyad Mahrez a good chance which wasn’t converted.
 

He settled into the match as it progressed and made some good saves. Mixed night for Leno.

Hector Bellerin – 4 

Despite making the most tackles [5] for Arsenal, Hector Bellerin wasn’t particularly impressive at The Etihad.
 

He couldn’t cope with the pace and skill of Sterling, and was at fault for the goal by allowing Foden to cut inside.

He nearly cost his team again at the end, allowing Sterling to spin him and sit him down in the final minutes.
 

His attacking abilities have never been questioned, but it wasn’t a good enough defensive performance from Hector.

David Luiz – 6

David Luiz wasn’t meant to start the game, but an injury to Rob Holding in the warm-up promoted the Brazilian to the starting XI.
 

It was a strong performance from the veteran centre-back and looked very assured in both attack and defence.

he had some good chances and nearly registered an assist, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang unable to convert.

As long as he doesn’t take any more freekicks, this could be a better season for Luiz.

Gabriel – 6

It was a mixed night for the new Arsenal defender, where he made some mistakes but also some important blocks and clearances.

He wasn’t always as composed on the ball as his manager would like, and nearly cost his team a goal only to be saved by goalkeeper. 

Kieran Tierney – 6

The Scot at times struggled to keep Mahrez quiet and had some uncomfortable defensive moments.

He looked much better and more comfortable going forward, creating an effective and dangerous partnership with Bukayo Saka down Arsenal's left wing. 

Bukayo Saka – 7 

Best Arsenal player at the Etihad Stadium. His pace and silky technique caused the City defence problems, and had two great opportunities, forcing saves and blocks at the back.

he quietened down in the late stages, but that can be excused after a great week which saw him make his England debut.

Dani Ceballos – 6

Allowed Sergio Aguero to get past him which started the attack for the goal, but after that he worked much harder and won the ball more than any other player [10]. 

Granit Xhaka – 6 

The speed of the City attack made things a little uncomfortable for the Swiss captain, but like the rest of the Arsenal midfield worked hard on and off the ball. He made way for debutant Thomas Partey in the final few minutes.

Nicolas Pepe – 5 

Strange night for Nicolas Pepe, as he had some real chances but wasn’t able to make the most of them, unlike his winner last time out.
 

He had two great headed chances miss and could not take advantage of a free kick late on. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5 

It was a tough night for the Arsenal captain, the. Opposite performance to the FA Cup semi-final. Kyle Walker pocketed the dangerman and restricted Aubameyang to 0 shots on goal.
 

One great chance in the first half which was easily saved by Ederson, and although (incorrectly) believing he was offside should really have done better. Not his night.

Willian – 4 

Deployed in the false nine role, it didn’t really suit the Brazilian who offered some bright moments, but nothing of any substance and was substituted off in the second half.

Substitutes 

Alexandre Lacazette – 5 

Used in a much deeper role than he is used to, and similarly to Willian struggled in an unnatural position. Made no real impact on the game.

Eddie Nketiah - n/a

A late introduction but had little time to make a difference the result all but tied up by the time of his arrival.

Thomas Partey - n/a

Partey replaced Xhaka for his debut but it came too late for him to change things, and perhaps put a damper on Arsenal fans hopes and expectations for seeing their new man for the first time. He received a yellow card in the late stages.

Manager

Mikel Arteta – 5 

Got this one tactically wrong. Fair to say it was too early Partey to make his debut, but Willian as the false nine didn’t work, and Aubameyang looked far more dangerous when he drifted centrally.

Tactical changes came far too late in a game where Arsenal could have gotten something out of it.

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