The Premier League is back in our lives after 100 days away, and yet while Aston Villa vs Sheffield United was an interesting game, there was a whole lot more intrigue in Manchester City vs Arsenal. The Premier League champions were looking to postpone Liverpool’s coronation as Champions of England, and they managed to do so in convincing fashion on a night to forget for the Gunners.
Not an ideal comeback
Arsenal seemed to be ticking along quite nicely in the first 45 minutes, but on the stroke of half time, an error from David Luiz allowed Raheem Sterling to race through and open the scoring just before the whistle blew.
When the second half began Luiz, who was actually brought on as a substitute in the first half, saw his night go from bad to worse as he pulled Riyad Mahrez down in the area to give away a penalty. Kevin de Bruyne stepped up and made it 2-0, and as the cherry on top, Luiz’s game came to a premature end as he was sent off.
What happens next?
Arsenal knew that the game was signed, sealed and delivered, but they really made sure of it in the dying minutes of the game when exciting youngster Phil Foden scored a third. There were 11 minutes of injury time at the Etihad, though, after Eric Garcia went down for several minutes of treatment after a collision with Ederson. Thankfully, it appears as if he’s okay, and it was a small speed bump in an otherwise fantastic night for Pep Guardiola’s men.
The countdown to City losing the Premier League title continues, as they now turn their attention towards another home game on Monday – this time against Burnley. They’ll go on to face a tough Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge, whereas Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back in two visits to the south coast to take on Brighton and Southampton. Whether or not they can live up to their potential, especially as Mikel Arteta attempts to put his own stamp on this team, remains to be seen.
Match Report
Manchester City: Ederson (6.5), Mendy (7.5), Laporte (6.5), Garcia (6.5), Walker (7.5), De Bruyne (8), Gundogan (8.5), D. Silva (6.5), Sterling (8.5), Jesus (7), Mahrez (7.5), Foden (7.5), Rodrigo (6), B. Silva (6.5), Fernandinho (6), Aguero (6)
Arsenal: Leno (7.5), Bellerin (6), Mustafi (5.5), Mari (6.5), Tierney (6), Willock (6), Guendouzi (6), Xhaka (6), Saka (5.5), Aubameyang (5.5), Nketiah (6), Nelson (6.5), Maitland-Niles (6), Ceballos (6.5), Lacazette (6), Luiz (2.5)
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Goals: Sterling, De Bruyne, Foden pen
Yellow Cards: Rodri, Tierney
Red Cards: Luiz
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