Arsenal went to Manchester City and lost, just like we all expected them to.
Unfortunately, just because we expected a defeat, doesn’t mean we can accept it or excuse the players for their poor performances.
That the scoreline wasn’t worse was a reflection of City’s wastefulness during the game. Arsenal offered some fight but there was never any genuine hope of a comeback. All City had to do was flex their muscles and their two goal lead was restored.
So, goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus gave a City a routine victory over a plucky visiting side. Alexandre Lacazette got a consolation goal off the bench to make the scoreline a little more respectable.
Here’s how the team got on.
Midfield
Hector Bellerin 4
A player famed for his attacking instincts yet makes so many conservative decisions on the ball. Bellerin played sideways too often, and offered little threat in behind despite having plenty of room on his flank.
Granit Xhaka 4
Short of options on the ball, but a statue without it. A player who needs to play deep in midfield, yet can’t perform the basic defensive actions the position requires. David Silva had a field day running off the back of him, knowing full well he wouldn’t be tracked. With his passing far below the quality it needs be, you have to ask just what he’s offering this Arsenal team at the moment.
Aaron Ramsey 4
Ramsey’s problem is usually discipline and his positioning on the pitch. Against City, though, it was quality on the ball that was lacking. City’s press gave his technique a thorough testing, and he failed to show any quality. His assist for Lacazette’s goal was nice, but his lack of contributions in the middle third of the pitch let him down.
Sead Kolasinac 3
This was the poorest performance he’s put in since joining. Kolasinac was weak in the tackle, and a had a horrible time against the pace and movement of Sterling. It was he who lost sight of him at the start of the second half before the penalty, and he resorted to shoving him over numerous times just to prevent him from getting to the ball first.
Next, forwards, and it doesn’t get any prettier…