A first-half strike from Raheem Sterling helped Manchester City return to winning ways in the Premier League as they narrowly edged past Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Gunner’s have now recorded nine points in their first five games of the season after falling to defeat against City and Liverpool.
 

Whilst many may have foreshadowed this outcome some Arsenal fans will be left feeling a little empty following a lacklustre performance against The Cityzens.

Mikel Arteta’s game-plan was clear. First and foremost, sit back and defend.

City’s menacing trio of Sergio Aguero, Sterling and Riyad Mahrez possess a killer instinct and will punish teams if presented a chance, Sterling’s close-range finish proved this notion and was ultimately the difference between the two sides.

  • Selection dilemma

Since Mikel Arteta’s arrival in December last year The Gunners have primarily adopted a three at the back system.

The Spaniard has frequently deployed Alexandre Lacazette in a false nine role in which he drops off to collect the ball in deeper positions to create space in behind for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who plays as an inverted winger.

Lacazette’s omission from the starting lineup accommodated the inclusion of Willian upfront, subsequently forcing Aubameyang out wide.

The Gabonese forward, who is often potent from the left, struggled to get into the game and was superbly marshalled by Kyle Walker.

This proved to be Arsenal's downfall; Aubameyang’s contribution to Arsenal is vital if they want to be competing against the top six sides.

His goalscoring ability elevates The Gunners into a real threat, as seen in last seasons FA Cup semi-final win over City however he will be disappointed with the service be received today. 

Willian enjoyed a fruitful debut against Fulham, however, has failed to replicate a performance of this quality since. 

The Aubameyang-Lacazette partnership is one that suits The Gunners well as their play styles compliment each other well, however, Arteta opted to go with the Brazilian, who’s performance left more to be desired.

Arsenal are now without an away win in the league to a top-six side since January 2015.

  • Golden Boy Saka

Earlier this week it was announced that 19-year-old Bukayo Saka had been shortlisted for the Golden Boy award.

The young Englishman made his senior debut for the national team in a 3-0 win over Wales at Wembley Stadium last week and has certainly earned the right to be named alongside star-studded names such as Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland, who are also in contention for the award.

The Hale End academy graduate was a stand-out performer for Arsenal and consistently registers solid performances, showing maturity years beyond his years.

His penetrative forward runs became a problem for City’s defence as the game developed and he looked most likely to make the difference for his side. 

Saka is staking a real claim to become a regular starter, his impressive displays will have been noted by Arteta who is slowly integrating him more frequently into the side.

A winger by nature, Saka has shown the ability to play a range of roles and slotted in at wing-back tonight.

His most impressive asset is the intelligence he displays for the game; Saka drives the ball forward well and is Arsenal’s main creative outlet the majority of the time.

It is evident Arteta is slowly laying the foundations at Arsenal, making them a harder side to beat.

On this occasion City’s excellence shone through as they prevailed to take all three points, however, Arsenal were not embarrassed as they have been on previous occasions- something that was noted in Arteta's post-match interview.

Naive defending will soon be eradicated by the former City coach who can take positives from the result and he will slowly look to transform Arsenal back into a side that can compete with teams of superior ability.