Yesterday saw the Premier League come out swinging with some truly phenomenal games across the board, but at the Etihad, Manchester City and Arsenal played out the dullest game of the day as City edged out a narrow 1-0 win over the Gunners. Raheem Sterling’s first half strike proved to be the difference maker in a game that meant a whole lot to Pep Guardiola and his team after Liverpool failed to beat rivals Everton earlier on in the day.
Today, we’re going to take a look at a few takeaways we’ve got now that the dust has settled.
No Partey, no party?
Arsenal fans around the world were waiting for one thing and one thing only last night – Thomas Partey. The dynamic midfield maestro was set to be the saviour for the visitors, but for some reason, Mikel Arteta took an incredibly long time to bring him on and only introduced him when we entered into the final ten minutes. It was a bizarre decision, and it’s one the Spaniard will have to answer for in the days to come.
Aguero in trouble
Sergio Aguero may be one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history but last night he was making headlines for all the wrong reasons. After a decision didn’t go his way the Argentine placed his arm on the neck of assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis, with many voicing their outrage over the issue. This will clearly be debated heavily in the days and weeks to come but for now, Aguero can count himself lucky that he was able to escape a caution.
Worries for City
At this moment in time Manchester City are priced as 1/1 favourites with 888sport to regain their Premier League title from the Reds, and in all honesty, that surprises us. At times you could definitely make the argument that Pep’s men were there for the taking and we’re somewhat surprised Arsenal weren’t able to pull the trigger and make them pay. We’ve seen their defensive frailties shine through in the past and as we look ahead to the future, you’d have to think they will still struggle at the back as the season goes on.
Match Report
Manchester City: Ederson (7), Ake (6.5), Dias (7), Walker (7), Rodri (7), Foden (6.5), Silva (7), Cancelo (7.5), Mahrez (7.5), Aguero (6.5), Sterling (7.5), Gundogan (6), Fernandinho (6)
Arsenal: Leno (7), Bellerin (6.5), Luiz (7), Gabriel (6.5), Tierney (6), Ceballos (6.5), Xhaka (6), Saka (7), Pepe (6.5), Willian (6), Aubameyang (6.5), Nketiah (6), Partey (6), Lacazette (6)
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Goals: Sterling
Yellow Cards: Dias, Ake, Rodri, Cancelo, Partey
Red Cards: N/A
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