Premier League: Arsenal vs Manchester City Player Ratings

As discussed in the most recent post, the Gunners’ next challenge was a record breaking Manchester City, who hadn’t lost a point in the Premier League since the 16th of December. It was always going to be a tough match, however, the outcome was disappointing.

Mikel Arteta - 6.5

Now I understand that Arteta needed to rest player coming out of the Friday match vs Benfica, as well as with the travel back etc. Despite this, it was an obscure team that took to the field. A completely new pair of CBs, Pepe on the right hand side - it was encouraging to see the return of Kieran Tierney though. The game plan seemed reasonable and on another day would have been more effective.

Bernd Leno - 7

There wasn’t really anything that the German could do to deny a side netting header from 6 yards out. Other than the conceded goal, Leno did well in the way that he commanded the defence. He also made some important saves in order to not let the game get further out of hand.

Kieran Tierney - 7.5

Tierney was one of the better performers upon return from injury. He played the way that he has found great success in recently: terrific attacking and defensive presence. He was constantly charging up the left hand side and often found himself in the left wing position, forcing Saka more central. He was always back to defend however and did well to silence Mahrez (apart from his assist).

Rob Holding - 6.5

It was a bittersweet performance from Rob Holding. The worst of it was the goal. With a short cross coming in, a player with the build and skill of Holding can not be backing off to allow Sterling a free header. Apart from that, he did well at times and was statistically one of the best players on the pitch.

Pablo Mari - 6.5

Mari’s performance was very similar to Holding, instead he had less of a say in the goal. Left the penalty box quite open at times and was lucky to not concede more. Disappointing.

Hector Bellerin - 6

Bellerin had an average game. He tried to involve himself in the attack as he has in recent games however found it difficult given Raheem Sterling’s pace. The English winger found a way through him multiple times and even seemingly at will. Poor communication and marking left Bellerin partly responsible for the conceded goal.

Granit Xhaka - 6.5

Xhaka also had an alright game - nothing special. At times he was good in possession and solid in defence, however, there were periods where he was quite the opposite. An unusual performance from one normally so good.

Mohammed Elneny - 6

Another average performance from another man in red. At times I forgot Elneny was on the pitch. Many times throughout the game he dropped too deep and left Xhaka stranded in a midfield that was way too open. He failed to produce anything offensively too.

Bukayo Saka - 7

Surprise surprise - Saka was one of our best performers. He was forced inside because of Tierney’s wide runs. He was always a threat and target in the box and was often crafty in possession.

Martin Ødegaard - 6.5

Another slightly disappointing performance from Ødegaard. Didn’t seem too deadly in attack, failed to create chances and was sometimes wasteful in possession. Still waiting on that first goal contribution.

Nicolas Pepe - 6.5

Pepe on the right performed like Pepe on the right. Lack lustre, not a real threat in attack and didn’t find the ball too much. Ha proved to be much more deadly on the left.

Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang - 6

I hate to say it, I really do. Aubameyang travelled between Ruben Dias’ and John Stones’ pockets throughout the game. Oddly enough, he couldn’t have done much more. The Gunners didn’t have enough time on the ball to release him in behind. Every cross, cutback or through ball to him centrally was dispatched of by the defense.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Kieran Tierney - 7.5

The most lively of the players in a red shirt.