Premier League: Arsenal and Manchester City draw 0-0
It’s safe to say expectations were not high for Arsenal as they faced Manchester City at their home ground. In the past, Pep Guardiola’s squad had proven too strong for Arsenal, defeating them in all eight of the competition matches they played there. However, this visit has been far better, even if it hasn’t provided the significant victory that would boost hopes of a first Premier League title in two decades.
Despite this, it was still a commendable result, maintaining their higher position than the reigning champions, and providing a slight edge in the increasingly tense title race. Liverpool, enjoying the view from afar following a home victory against Brighton, might have been the real winners, yet Arsenal had little to complain about.
Their performance was consummately disciplined, which may have been a disappointment for neutrals hoping for a show. Arsenal and their coach, Mikel Arteta, likely had no reservations though. After an ongoing series of psychological queries, they demonstrated some character this time.
For the first time in 58 matches at their home ground, City didn’t score; a halt brought brutally to their record-breaking run. Their preservation of an undefeated streak at the Etihad Stadium, extending to 39 games, was perhaps the silver lining although their intended show of force didn’t materialise.
Historical statistics had been against Arsenal, but this hadn’t dampened their spirit. Despite having only won one of the 19 previous away league matches against the existing champions, they arrived in Manchester with optimism – a notable change from the standard.
The team was strengthened by the available Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus – all returning from a break from national team service – while Gabriel Martinelli was back as a substitute, coming on late in the match. Meanwhile, City were at a disadvantage without the injured Ederson and Kyle Walker, while John Stones was only fit enough to offer support from the bench.
Guardiola’s selection of Mateo Kovacic to play alongside Rodri in the midfield demonstrated his preference for maintaining control and dictating the game’s pace. With Manuel Akanji shifting inwardly from the right-back position from the beginning and Josko Gvardiol pushing forward from the left-back position, albeit in a more linear manner, it was apparent that the focus was on advancing the game. Phil Foden taking advantage of his freedom to move from the left flank was a notable factor too.
But every tactical manoeuvre was a gradual process that necessitated some adjustments on Guardiola’s behalf when Nathan Aké felt discomfort, terminating his participation in the match. The reshuffle saw Akanji moving inside while Rico Lewis stepped in as the right-back. However, the essential game principles remained intact.
City dominated ball possession, patiently baiting opponents in red shirts out of their position. Arsenal, in comparison, gauged their advancement based on the proficiency of their defensive structure when not in control of the ball. Their aggressive tackling in one-on-one scenarios, spearheaded by Gabriel, was commendable. They were also able to occasionally disrupt City’s play.
An initial crossing attempt from Ben White over Akanji which Jesus received but uneventfully steered wide bore no real threat, and Arsenal’s finest moment in the first half occurred just post the 30-minute mark. Jakub Kiwior set the ball up for Jesus who skilfully jinked through and fired a hard shot, barely missing the goal.
City’s attempts to infiltrate during the first half fell short. They questioned the referee, Anthony Taylor’s reluctance to flash his yellow card after multiple Arsenal fouls. Meanwhile, the home spectators detected a lack of confidence in David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper when he had possession; his clearances were dodgy.
Aké had managed to connect to a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 16th minute, however, his header lacked conviction requiring a vigilant Raya. Gabriel successfully neutralised Erling Haaland out of a header attempt following a Gvardiol cross.
The second half saw Arsenal make an initial attempt to push forward, winning a few balls and nearly nailing the transitions. Martin Ødegaard set the ball for Saka intending for Jesus. Jesus, however, couldn’t reach making Akanji make the save. Earlier, Kovacic had narrowly missed at the other end.
Guardiola made the initial move in the tight game, replacing Kovacic and Foden with two bona fide wingers, Jérémy Doku and Jack Grealish. Rodri was subsequently partnered with Silva, presenting an offensive switch. Doku’s first interaction was dynamic, although his final output left much to be desired.
Arteta, on the other hand, opted for direct replacements, content with the direction of the match. His key principles stayed unchanged and the team’s concentration needed to remain unswayed. Winning individual battles was crucial and, in a broader perspective, securing a win was paramount.
As the game neared its conclusion, would there be a dramatic turn of events? Unfortunately, the response was negative. Under pressure, Haaland messed up a crucial opportunity at the far post following a flick from Gvardiol on De Bruyne’s corner. Arsenal’s reserve, Leandro Trossard, received an Ødegaard pass but missed out due to a lacklustre finish.
-The Guardian.