Manchester City claimed league points from the Emirates.
Jack Grealish celebrated his winning goal in front of the City supporters. PDO
It was already clear beforehand that this particular match would be decisive for the Manchester City supporters.
It wasn’t just that Arsenal had dominated the league to their heart’s content, forcing the reigning champions into the chase. It was above all about how much the manager Pep Guardiola’s judgment could be trusted.
The Catalan club sold the left winger Pak in the summer Oleksandr Zinchenko To Arsenal. Even at that stage, it was not clear that the deal was with the worst competitor.
The left pack became a real nut for Guardiola. On Wednesday, in the City chart, the closest to the playing spot was running Bernardo Silvawhich in terms of playing characteristics is something other than a defender.
In the 22nd minute, Zinchenko sent a delicious cross to the head of Eddie Nketiah, and only his weak finish saved the visitors from a setback.
At this stage, the hosts seemed to live up to expectations as the primary title contenders.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had made a tough decision and dropped the right defender By Ben White to the bench. The Basque must have regretted his decision as City took the lead amidst pressure from the home team.
The story continues after the video
Watch the opening goal of the match in the video. Premier league football can be watched on VSport’s channels and on Elisa Viihde’s Viaplay service.
And the culprit for that was the recruit in White’s place Takehiro Tomiyasuwho was caught by a chance pass backwards Kevin De Bruyne at the border of the penalty area. The Belgian lifted the ball into the net in a handsome arc.
However, City’s luck turned. Keeper Ederson overthrew Nketiah, and Bukayo Saka embedded the following comma.
City in the league lead
Arsenal pressed City’s substitutes on the left wing, where Silva had to constantly break Saka, who was running in his own lane. Referee Anthony Taylor finally “rewarded” the Portuguese with a yellow card.
It was clear that Silva was not doing well on his pitch, and at the hour mark Guardiola was also forced to admit the facts. Manuel Akanji came to the field, and Nathan Aké took Saka under control.
The story continues after the picture
Manager Pep Guardiola gave detailed instructions to Bernardo Silva. PDO
In terms of City’s game ideology, however, it was essential that Silva, who failed badly defensively, was allowed to continue on the field. He was moved to a more familiar position in midfield, which could be a decisive move for the entire championship.
In the 72nd minute, he caught Gabriel’s stray pass and immediately distributed the ball upwards For Erling Haaland. The Norwegian’s pass went straight For Jack Grealishwho fired the guests into the lead again.
The final solution came ten minutes later. De Bruyne started, and Haaland moved City to an already unattainable 3-1 lead.
City fans also noticed which of the Arsenal defenders was spinning like a windmill in the situation. He was Zinchenko, who left the club last summer.
With the win, Manchester City moved to the top of the league, although they were eight points behind until about a month ago.
Of course, Arsenal still have a back-to-back match on their hands, but right now it seems that the championship seems to be slipping out of the Gunners’ hands this time as well.