Arsenal fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, with Kai Havertz on target but too many of Mikel Arteta’s side unable to impose themselves in a match that has tightened the title race.
Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City at the Etihad in a result that could prove pivotal in the title race. Kai Havertz cancelled out Rayan Cherki’s opener, but Erling Haaland restored City’s lead after the break and Arsenal could not find another response. The defeat cuts Arsenal’s advantage and gives City the chance to draw level if they win their game in hand.
David Raya - 5
Could not do much about either goal, but did not have the kind of commanding afternoon Arsenal needed behind an unsettled defensive display.
Cristhian Mosquera - 5
A tough game against quick, aggressive attacking movement. Battled, but was stretched and never looked fully comfortable.
William Saliba - 7
Probably Arsenal’s most reliable defender on the day. Covered well at times and tried to keep the line together in a difficult match.
Gabriel - 4
An edgy performance that became more ragged as the game wore on. Lucky not to be sent off late on after the flashpoint with Haaland.
Piero Hincapie - 6
Not overwhelmed, but City found enough joy down his side and Arsenal needed more security from him defensively.
Declan Rice - 7
Committed and competitive throughout. Tried to drive standards in midfield, but even he could not stop City taking control in key moments.
Martin Zubimendi - 6
Had some tidy moments on the ball, but struggled to dictate the tempo and was often forced into reactive work.
Eberechi Eze - 7
Showed flashes, but never influenced the game enough in the final third. Arsenal needed more craft from him.
Martin Ødegaard - 7
Brought calm and some structure on his return, but Arsenal could not get him into enough threatening positions often enough.
Noni Madueke - 5
Worked hard and offered an outlet at times, but lacked the final action to really trouble City. His subsitution at half-time felt needed to try and see any success down the right side.
Kai Havertz - 6
Arsenal’s brightest attacker. Reacted well for the initial equaliser. Was unlucky to not be given a foul when he broke through on goal. But should really have equalised for Arsenal at the death.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli - 5
Added energy, but not enough end product.
Leandro Trossard - 5
Could not find the spaces needed to change the rhythm of the match.
Ben White - 5
Solid enough after coming on, but by then Arsenal were chasing.
Viktor Gyokeres - N/A
Too little time to make any impact. Tried to offer a different focal point late on, but Arsenal were unable to create enough around him.