Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal risk losing ‘their’ tital to rivals Manchester City following a 3-1 Premier League loss, although the Gunners have a game in hand
In a thrilling Premier League encounter on Wednesday night, Premier League leaders Arsenal hosted Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in what was clearly a crucial fixture for both sides, a title decider.
A mistake at the back in the 24th minute, by Arsenal defender Tomiyasu, leads to the Cityzens capitalizing with great aplomb. Classic Kevin De Bruyne left-foot-lobbed finish albeit from a misplaced back pass.
The Emirates was stunned, but was brought back to life 3 minutes to the break when Saka wrongfooted Ederson in goal, with a cool penalty after Nketiah was fouled by the City goalkeeper. Nathan Ake had tried to clear it off the line from Nketiah’s attempt before VAR intervened to give the penalty to City.
Ederson had earlier been booked for time wasting and was lucky to stay on for City despite giving away the penalty.
Arsenal have been holding the top spot since November 6 and the Cityzens had got their chance. Manchester City almost scored minutes after Arsenal equalized but Rodri’s header bounced off Ake and onto the bar.
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In the second half City dominated from the start. Haaland won a penalty off Gabriel Magalhaes but was overturned by VAR. Offside the call, Arsenal get a sigh of relief and a sign of what was to come.
Grealish capitalized after a quick counter-attack by the Cityzens, in the 72nd minute, and scored a fantastic low hard-hit shot to give City the lead in the Premier League fixture.
Haaland sealed the victory with 8 minutes to play and Arsenal are now level on points with Manchester City, but have a game in hand.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, City Manager Pep Guardiola has said
“In the first half we were soft, maybe my plan was not good. We allowed them to play but in the second half we made a step forward. We were more aggressive. That allowed us to regain balls high up the pitch where we feel comfortable.
“Haaland helped us a lot by being man-to-man and being aggressive. Playing long balls against Saliba and Gabriel is not easy but he used his body to win the balls. And that’s why we won the game.”
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