For the first time this season, the Premier League’s top two faced off and City got the edge over the league leaders in this FA Cup 4th round tie. However, the score line far from tells the full story.
In front of almost 8,000 travelling away fans, Arsenal gave City one of their toughest tests this season. Mikel Arteta’s side started well, with right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu firing a powerful effort to sting the gloves of Ortega early on. Erling Haaland went close after firing a bicycle kick towards the empty Arsenal goal after Rob Holding slipped in possession allowing the Norwegian to run through, although Arsenal goalkeeper Matt TUrner did well to sweep up the danger – which was a common occurrence throughout the game as City threatened to put their number nine in behind the Arsenal defence.
Arsenal made six changed comapred to CIty’s one, and Rob Holding had the tough test of going uo against Haaland, and did a solid job overall, limiting the striker to only once shot at the Arsenal goal. Alhough the Englishman did pick up a yellow card and was substiuted at half-time as a result. Leandro Trossard was a particular bright spark for Arsenal in an overall positive first half, getting the better of Rico Lewis and firing a powerful effort at goal which was very well saved from Ortega.
Mikel Arteta made two changes at the break, with WIlliam Saliba and Sambi Lokonga replacing Rob Holding and Thomas Partey respectively. And the drop off in quailiyin midfield compared to the Ghanaian was unfortunately evident as Arsenal failed to retian a similar standard in possession and City’s pressure eventually paid off as Nathan Ake slotted home sixty four minutes on the clock to give his side the Lead. Arteta responded by brining on more of his big guns with Zinchenko, Martinelli and Odegaard coming on and Arsenal did create chances particularly through the left side again with Martinelli causing Kyle Walker problems. However, despite the quality of their left side, Arsenal’s right hand sife struggled to have a similar impact with MOTM and goalscorer Nathan Ake doing brilliantly against Bukayo Saka throughout as the youngster failed to have a similar impact that he has had in recent weeks. City did well to close the game and seal the 1-0 victory however the travelling Gooners had plenty to be encouraged about as they travel to Everton following the end of the transfer window.
Player Ratings:
Matt Turner: 8 – Did brilliantly to sweep up at times and was very good with the ball at his feet. Couldn’t do anything about the goal
Takehiro Tomiyasu: 7 – Struggled at times against Grealish but made a number of good interceptions and passes. Defended well in the second half
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Rob Holding: 6 – Was always gonna be tough against the world’s best striker but Holding did a solid job overall limiting Haaland to only one shot on goal. Did struggle to deal with the Norwegians physical presence with long balls though and was taken off at half-time following a booking
Gabriel: 7 – Strong in possession and won a lot of headers
Kieran TIerney: 7 – Not as good on the ball as Zinchenko but defended well against one of the world’s best wingers in Mahrez
Thomas Partey: 6 – Good on the ball and in the tackle. Although was forced off eariler than Arteta would have wanted
Granit Xhaka: 6 – Sometimes struggled against the press and intenisty of City but was always a calm figure on the ball
Fabio Vieria: 6 – Ok overall on the ball but was quiet at times and struggled to impose himslef properly in the game
Bukayo Saka: 6 – One of Saka’s poorer games, although this was mostly down to the brilliant defending from Nathan Ake
Eddie Nketiah: 6 – Held the ball up well but didn’t have any chances in front of goal
Leandro Trossard: 7 – A great full debut for Trossard. Really direct and gave Rico Lewis a really tough time in the first half and was the brightest spark for Arsenal. Could’ve scored on another day
William Saliba: 7 – Great on the ball and in the air against Haaland
GabrIel Martinelli: 7 – Continued Trossard’s good work getting the beating of Walker and nearly created a few clear-cut chances
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 7 – Brilliant on the ball as ever. had a good impact and Arsenal looked a lot more dangerous with him on the pitch
Sambi lokonga: 6 – Decent on the ball but was poor positionally and struggled with the City press