It could be the home atmosphere or the crowd or the current run of form but Arsenal dominated the match against Manchester City. Players gave their hearts out for the game and deserved at least a point, but some poor decision making cost Arsenal the game, losing out 2-1 to Manchester City.

Football is played in 2 halves and the Gunners did play the game in 2 parts. They were so dominant in the 1st half that City’s lethal attacking lineup couldn’t take a single shot on target. Meanwhile, the hosts managed to score a well-constructed typical Arsenal goal as Saka slotted home Tierney’s curling .

Arsenal tried to control the second half with the same intensity and pressure, but silly fouls from Gabriel and Xhaka (still questionable) helped Manchester City get back into the game. Xhaka’s foul resulted in Mahrez’s penalty while Gabriel received his second yellow of the game because of a foul on Jesus.

10-man Arsenal couldn’t do enough to score against Manchester City but rather conceded late in the game when Rodri scored in the 93rd minute from Laporte’s rebound shot. Martinelli had one golden chance to get the 2nd for the Gunners, but his hasty attempt hit the side-netting.

Mikel Arteta’s team selection and tactics were perfect for the game, but Arsenal would consider themselves unlucky not to get something from the game. Although the hosts lost the match, their performance, efforts and quality on the field have won the fans’ hearts. Let us review the individual performances from the home team.

Arsenal Player Ratings Against Manchester City

Goalkeeper:

Aaron Ramsdale (7.5): Two unfortunate goals against the English shot-stopper denied him a higher rating. The whole team’s performance allowed Ramsdale an easy 1st half. He played his duties well on a run. Needless to try to disrupt the spot-kick. Ramsdale seemed frustrated with the referee’s decisions and expressed his feelings during the post-match interview.

Defence:

Tomiyasu (7.5): The Japanese defender was declared fit and back for the game. His inclusion was great news for the team and fans, and his performance was an even greater one. He kept the right flank trouble-free for Arsenal while providing good assistance in the offence too.

Ben White (7): Ben White had a great game, especially considering the quality of the opposition. Arsenal were able to keep Manchester City players at bay till 55 minutes of the game, thanks to their midfield and defensive performances, and White was one such influential performer.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6): Gabriel had a very dominating 1st half, even till the penalty incidence. But one stupid action cost the game – fouling his national teammate – blocking Jesus’ runoff in the centre circle. The referee showed him his 2nd yellow of the game and gave him the marching orders.

📒 57’ Gabriel booked for scuffing the penalty spot.

⚽️ 57’ Mahrez equalises for @ManCity after a VAR review for the penalty.

😱 58’ Ake clears off the line & Martinelli misses follow up.

📕 59’ Gabriel sent off for 2nd yellow card.

😅 @Arsenal being @Arsenal.#ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/BShQW5KK8m

— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) January 1, 2022

Kieran Tierney (8.5): Tierney was classy and bossy on the left wing. He certainly performed much better than his opponents on the left flank – Mahrez and Cancelo, but was unlucky to be on the losing side. Defensively, he was very active in the box and also on the backtracking runs. Great ball to Saka for the first goal of the match.

Midfield:

Gabriel Martinelli (8): It was very unfortunate for the Brazilian to not feature on the score sheet, even when Manchester City handed Arsenal a superb chance at goal. Apart from that incident, his performance was terrific. It will be fair to say that the Gunners now have one of the best wing-attacks in the Premier League.

Thomas Partey (8.5): Partey had his best game in an Arsenal shirt. He ruled the midfield and was rock solid defending City’s attempts to break away. He was all over the pitch and proved to be a huge stumbling block for the Citizens.

🇬🇭 Thomas Partey against Manchester City:

🧠 48 Touches
👟 24 es
💯 80% Accuracy
🔑 1 Key
🎯 2/4 Long Balls
🕺🏻 5/6 Dribbles
💪 8/14 Ground Duels
🛑 4 Tackles
✋ 1 Interception
❌ 1 Blocked Shot

He could not do anything more for Arsenal. 😅 pic.twitter.com/DKH7SY3gSd

— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) January 1, 2022

Granit Xhaka (7): Xhaka was completely involved in the game, he gave one of his finest performances in an Arsenal shirt and focused more on the attacking end as Partey was handling the defensive duty. But his foul (?) and the 56th-minute penalty changed the game. One lesson learned for sure.

Bukayo Saka (9): Saka was once again brilliant. His runs, his es, the goal, all were way ahead of a player of his age. He not only tormented City’s experienced defenders but was regularly tracking back to help his defence. His goal was well-timed and well-placed into the bottom corner. The future certainly looks very bright for the young Englishman.

Attack:

Martin Odegaard (8.5): Once more, Odegaard was spot on with his vision and es. His connection with Partey and Xhaka in midfield and the forward plays with Lacazette and the wingers were great to watch. Hard done for not being given the penalty. The Norwegian’s performances are proving to be a vital cog in Arsenal’s turn in fortunes.

https://twitter.com/PoorEPLreferees/status/1477279551579377666

Alexandre Lacazette (8.5): The Frenchman performed his duties well, disturbing the opponent’s defensive formation. His clever block on Nathan Ake was instrumental in Arsenal getting the lead in the first half. Lacazette is clever with his off-ball movements and he should try going for a goal, at least in the dying minutes of the game. He is getting better in the lineup with each ing game, linking well with the lads, and Arsenal might look to convince him to stay for one more season.

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Substitutes:

Rob Holding (6): Subbed in for Odegaard after the Gabriel red card incident in the 68th min. Holding particularly did well protecting the box.

Emile Smith Rowe (6): Replaced tired Lacazette in the 71st minute of the game. His introduction was purely to inject more pace in Arsenal’s play, but ESR couldn’t impact the game as much as everyone was hoping for.

Mohamed Elneny (NA): Came on for Saka in the 84th min. He had very little to do in the game.

Do you agree with the given player ratings from the Arsenal vs Manchester City game? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.

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