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.
Forwards
Alex Iwobi 3
He tries, but does he really have the quality to effect these types of games? His passing and decision making were well below the required level. Serious questions have to be asked about his inclusion in the starting eleven.
Mesut Ozil 3
This has nothing to do with his defensive effort, and everything to do with his quality on the ball. That is to say, there was a startling lack of it. Even on a bad day, you can expect Ozil to create a few chances. Not today, though. He was totally ineffectual, and his passing lacked the usual the precision. When Arsenal were crying out for some quality, he failed to provide it.
Alexis Sanchez 4
You’d be forgiven for thinking Alexis was wearing sky blue, given the number of times he turned the ball over. Yet, he was the only forward who looked likely to make anything happen. He played a lonely role up top and did well against two much larger centre backs, but struggled to produce a quality final pass.
Finally, subs…