Arsenal produced a robust display in Manchester, stifling last season’s treble winners and avoiding a League defeat at the Etihad for the first time in nine years.
Arsenal shows their mettle
Mikel Arteta loves the traditions of our club, and one of them that had all but evaporated in too many years of League failure is resilience. George Graham’s historic 1989 title triumph was built on a “they shall not pass” philosophy. This “Arsenal” culture has returned…and some.
A defensive masterclass
Arsenal became the first team to not concede at Manchester City for 882 days. Willam Saliba and Gabriel again proved they are the Premier League’s best central defensive pairing. However, this was also a collective low-block, with even the wide-men playing their part: Bukayo Saka and Jesus chased down City opponents relentlessly.
Gunners’ concentration levels off the scale
Arsenal only enjoyed 28% possession in the game and when asked what was required to stay so disciplined without the ball Arteta responded: “Clarity. Are you ready to follow 30 passes? And then follow another 30 passes? Then you are ready to play Manchester City.”
We have a fit squad for the run-in
For almost the first time this campaign Arteta could select from a full squad. When Pep Guardiola tried to turn the match in the second half with substitute forwards Doku and Jack Grealish, Arteta also rang the changes, bringing on the equally talented Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey to negate the City refresh.
Gunners stay in the hunt
Defeat at the Etihad could have proved terminal for Arsenal’s title ambitions. Arteta prioritised avoiding a loss and remaining on course to win the remaining nine Premier League matches. After this weekend, the football media have crowned Liverpool champions-elect. They infamously did the same in ’89…