Advantage Man City as title rivals Arsenal dispatched in feisty conflict – newest response – Marc Atkinds/Getty Images
By Jason Burt, on the Emirates
This time Arsenal had no-one in charge however themselves. They gifted the champions Manchester City two targets and handed them the summit of the Premier League.
By the time the sensible Erling Haaland sealed the victory together with his thirty second objective of the season – he scared the life out of Arsenal as he bullied and terrorised their defence into errors – it felt ominous. And to suppose he had been an harm doubt or so we had been led to consider.
Arsenal might solely be behind on objective distinction, they might even have a sport in hand however, at occasions, this felt like males towards boys which – in equity – it was given the youth and relative inexperience of Mikel Arteta’s rising facet. City have course and distance and simply appeared like that bit larger; that bit extra battle-hardened. They had nous.
Arsenal got here out of the weekend’s draw towards Brentford nursing a way of grievance over the surprising Var choice which led to the equaliser however can don’t have any criticism right here. City arrived and in a dominant second-half efficiency not simply claimed the dear win however quietened the Arsenal crowd who’ve been such a driving pressure however, just like the gamers, appeared to lose just a little coronary heart.
It is now 4 video games with out a win for Arsenal and two of them have been defeats to City who knocked them out of the FA Cup within the first sport of a sequence which is now feeling like a deep psychological blow. Remarkably Arsenal have misplaced their final 11 league video games towards City.
City even survived one other pointless tinkering from Pep Guardiola who is commonly responsible of over-thinking his techniques in massive video games. Horrible, he known as it however as soon as he addressed that they went for the jugular and, for Arsenal, this was bloody.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Arsenal v Manchester City – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – February 15, 2023 Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta seems to be dejected after the match – David Klein/Reuters
Until then Guardiola had used Bernardo Silva as a left-back when out of possession which appeared significantly quixotic earlier than switching to a back-four, nullifying Bukayo Saka, and transferring the Portuguese worldwide into midfield.
City additionally bought into their opponents’ heads. In the first-half they (Silva specifically) took turns to nibble at Saka, they slowed the sport down by losing time and so they stayed down after challenges. They bought below Arsenal’s pores and skin. Game-management or gamesmanship? Either method it labored.
Story continues
Arsenal couldn’t take care of that which needs to be a fear for Arteta even when each criticism of them ought to be by the prism that no-one anticipated them to be on this place this season.
But how City flexed their muscle groups. It was a night when Haaland stood tall, when Kevin De Bruyne overshadowed Martin Odegaard and the place Arsenal missed the physicality of the injured Thomas Partey. It was additionally feisty and just a little petty and, in the long run, City did a job on their rivals.
As Arteta kicked the ball away when De Bruyne tried to take a throw-in he obtained a push within the chest from the City midfielder – clearly no love misplaced there – and it got here to outline the eventual dominance of Guardiola’s staff. Arteta has been a jack-in-the-box in his technical space however it appeared like he was put in his place.
Arsenal v Manchester City – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – February 15, 2023 Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta clashes with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne – David Klein/REUTERS
And but Arsenal had been marginally the higher facet in a first-half that ended even with Saka’s penalty cancelling out De Bruyne’s merely elegant strike – surprisingly his first objective since October – which was a results of critical error primary.
There has been an rising downside for Arsenal at right-back, with Ben White’s collapse in kind, however his substitute Takehiro Tomiyasu was badly at fault. Under strain from Jack Grealish, after William Saliba’s mistimed header as he fretted about Haaland’s presence, he woefully under-hit a again go. De Bruyne seized on it and, in a flash, struck an exquisite first-time shot together with his left foot that arced fantastically over Aaron Ramsdale and simply inside his right-hand put up. What a end.
Arsenal’s response was admirable with Eddie Nketiah racing onto a threaded go and turning the ball previous Ederson and though Nathan Ake cleared it off the goal-line a penalty was rightly given because the goalkeeper caught the ahead. Should it have been a pink card for the already booked Ederson? His problem was late relatively than reckless and he understandably earned a reprieve even when Saka beat him from the spot.
Manchester City gamers complain to match referee Anthony Taylor after he provides a penalty towards them in the course of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom – Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson
On half-time Rodri’s header smacked towards the cross-bar and it served as a warning. There was one other when Haaland turned Gabriel who hauled him down with the penalty award rightly turned over for offside after a Var verify however Arsenal had been residing dangerously and it felt like a City objective was inevitable.
Maybe Arteta might have modified it up. Instead it was Guardiola operating by his choices as he sensed a sport there for the taking and that was a lesson for his former assistant.
Still it took one other mistake for City to take the lead though it was as a result of they compelled it with Gabriel passing the ball straight to Silva who picked out Haaland. On the run he squared to Ilkay Gundogan who squared to the unmarked Grealish.
Arsenal had been shot. Their perception was drained and so they conceded once more with Haaland claiming his first objective towards a so-called ‘Big Six’ rival since becoming a member of City. They carved by – an indication that Arsenal’s resistance was down – with Rodri, Gundogan after which De Bruyne rapidly pinging passes earlier than creating area for Haaland. And, with that, the consequence was sealed and the momentum within the title race shifted. Can Arsenal reply away to Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime?
Arsenal 1 Man City 3: As it occurred
10:13 PM
Keith Hackett: Ederson not being despatched off the precise name – lastly a referee applies the legislation appropriately
Having already booked Ederson for timewasting, referee Anthony Taylor was confronted with a call when the goalkeeper fouled Eddie Nketiah. Read Keith’s full verdict on the incident right here.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson clashes with Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal to provide away a penalty in the course of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom – Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
10:09 PM
More from the Arsenal supervisor
Did they overplay?
“In sure areas of the pitch, particularly after regaining the ball deep, sure, you do not play there, it’s important to play a distinct sport and we did not learn these conditions effectively sufficient.
“We did not perceive when to play and which sorts of balls to play in sure areas and we bought punished.”
What message would he give to the gamers and followers:
“The environment and efficiency it was actually good, for those who take away that we gave Man City three targets. But for the remaining, Id on’t know what else I can demand to the gamers to match their stage. They are the very best staff on the planet and we matched that stage. But after it is simply essential to do sure issues higher to beat them.”
On perception and their title possibilities:
“I’ve extra perception, as a result of I see a staff that’s going face to face with them. And then you definately go to the following one and in three days now we have one other actually tough sport. I’ve extra perception in my gamers, yeah.”
10:08 PM
Mikel Arteta speaks to Amazon Prime Video
“Disappointment as a result of we misplaced it and I say we as a result of we misplaced it. I feel it was an unbelievable battle between two groups and once we had them – and we had them – we simply gave them the targets, completely. Against this staff they’re going to destroy you. And however we had three massive possibilities towards this staff and we did not put it away.
“To beat them now we have to be over our stage as a result of they’re such a staff. We completely matched them, I feel we had them in massive moments however then the sport is outlined particular person moments, particularly within the field and so they had been higher than us [there].
“The second-half as effectively we had some intervals the place we had been imprecise. We did not learn the scenario effectively sufficient, we performed quick once we did not have any benefit and we put ourselves in hassle. Okay, we will settle for that. The method we gave the targets away simply at this stage just isn’t potential.”
10:01 PM
Player rankings… do you agree?
Manchester City knocked Arsenal off the highest of the Premier League with a powerful 3-1 victory on the Emirates.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal seems to be dejected in the course of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England – Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Level on the break, the guests went by the gears within the second-half with targets from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland securing the factors. Telegraph Sport takes a nearer take a look at each units of gamers’ performances.
09:56 PM
Jack Grealish speaks to Amazon
“For me it was a terrific evening, that is what I needed to do. I wish to come and have an effect on these massive video games. Last month I scored at Old Trafford to make it 1-0 and I used to be buzzing, I believed I’m going to get the winner after which we go and concede two. So it did not actually imply something, the objective. To rating that tonight was so necessary. I’ve simply bought to thank the supervisor [for giving me minutes].”
Manchester City’s English midfielder Jack Grealish celebrates after scoring his staff second objective in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City on the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023 – GLYN KIRK/AFP by way of Getty Images
09:53 PM
Guardiola continues
Are Arsenal favourites?
“They have one sport in hand, so nonetheless I think about they’re the leaders however may very well be eight, 9 10 factors behind two or three weeks in the past and now we’re there. It’s necessary however there are various, many video games to play. We aren’t going to win all of the video games and hopefully our contenders neither.”
09:49 PM
Pep Guardiola speaks to Amazon Prime Video’s pitchside staff
“Now we’re high of the league however they’ve one sport in hand. Winning or dropping you’ve gotten loads of video games to play. Of course, to come back right here and profitable towards that staff, the primary half they had been a lot better than us, second half we had been a lot, a lot better. The second half was wonderful.”
What went incorrect within the first half?
“My techniques! I made a decision one thing new and it was horrible. Second half we had been far more like we had been. We allow them to play within the build-up. Our form, we allow them to play. They discovered the gamers behind… the runners up tight. We performed extra and Erling helped us loads, one towards one we needed to play extra lengthy balls and we used his energy to maintain the ball. In the second half we had been there.”
09:43 PM
That is an appalling file, nonetheless you take a look at it
09:41 PM
Erling Haaland reacts after the win
Was this a champions efficiency?
“All the boys and the entire membership listed below are the champions, so you may say so, yeah.”
What modified within the second half?
“Small changes within the half-time from Pep and yeah, in the long run we’re good high quality gamers and now we have to get it out of each participant and that is what we did in the present day.”
Were City streetwise and bodily? Did that assist?
“For me now we have to play just a little extra like this typically and that is precisely what we did in the present day. I’m so pleased with each single man right here. We can all agree it has been the very best staff this season so to come back at this place and play agaisnt them just isn’t simple. We performed a tremendous sport and bought the three actually necessary factors and we’re in it once more.”
09:37 PM
Telegraph Sport’s Dan Zeqiri’s ideas
Mistakes, pricey errors tonight.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka seems to be dejected after the match – REUTERS
09:35 PM
Match stats at full time
09:34 PM
Updated Premier League desk
Probably a very good consequence for Manchester United, too. They at the moment are solely 5 factors off City and Arsenal, getting a few of the floor again they misplaced after their defeat on the Emirates. They need to be outsiders, although, given they’ve two groups to overtake.
09:29 PM
FULL TIME: Arsenal 1 Man City 3
Good first half from Arsenal. A greater second half from Man City. City go high on objective distinction, however Arsenal have a sport in hand. Arsenal have now dropped 10 factors of their final six video games after barely dropping any earlier than that.
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his staff third objective in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City on the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023 – GLYN KIRK/AFP by way of Getty Images
09:28 PM
90+4 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 3
Arsenal with a little bit of the ball in the midst of the park, however the life has gone out of this sport… understandably.
This was a giant take a look at that Mikel Arteta’s males failed, however the true take a look at will likely be how they reply of their remaining 16 video games. And they nonetheless need to play City on the Emirates in late April. Will that show to be an much more essential sport? It simply may.
09:27 PM
90+2 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 3
I discussed earlier the combination rating for the final 10 league conferences between Arsenal and City. It was 26-3… add this sport to take it to 11 and that is 29-4.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts in the course of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England – Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
09:25 PM
90 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 3
Is this a little bit of a actuality verify for Arsenal? That might be going a bit too far however they actually need to cease the rot once they play once more. They have been outplayed by City this half, however it’s only one sport and it isn’t like City have not been shaky this season. Plenty of time for issues to go incorrect or badly for any of the title chasing sides.
09:23 PM
88 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 3
Saka sends one in from the precise, Nketiah makes the run however his header is poor and at no level goes goalwards. De Bruyne walks off and has to dodge some gadgets thrown from the group. That can be poor.
09:20 PM
85 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 3
Do it’s important to really feel for Arsenal right here? Hmmm. A bit however not likely. That’s soccer. And I’d say that City’s second half was higher than Arsenal’s first half.
City are heading to the highest of the desk because it stands.
09:16 PM
GOAL! Haaland absolutely secures three level for City!
City have simply stored coming and stored coming within the final 25 minutes. Gundogan bursts by the center of the pitch in direction of the field, places De Bruyne by on the precise fringe of the field after a terrific run.
De Bruyne cuts it again to Haaland who takes a contact together with his left, it isn’t a terrific one because it practically will get away from him however then he swings his mighty proper foot at it… and he sends it previous Ramsdale and into the underside left nook of the Arsenal web.
Arsenal 1 Man City 3
09:14 PM
80 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 2
Looks like a triple change for Arsenal incoming: Ben White, Fabio Vieira two of the gamers about to come back on.
09:13 PM
79 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 2
Shout for a penalty from Arsenal as new introduction Trossard goes down within the field tussling with Walker… however he dived into him actually. Anthony Taylor was having none of it.
09:12 PM
77 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 2
Fair to say that, nearly as good as they had been within the first half, Arsenal have struggled a bit on this half. City have been bodily and the Gunners have appeared a bit nervy as Haaland and co have pushed and pressed them on the again.
Arsenal’s English striker Eddie Nketiah (C) controls the ball however misses to attain previous Manchester City’s Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson (L) in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City – IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP by way of Getty Images
09:09 PM
75 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 2
Foden is on to exchange Grealish.
09:06 PM
GOAAAAAL! Arsenal 1 Man City 2
City retake the lead! Grealish it’s! And it is one other defensive error from Arsenal.
Gabriel passes straight to Bernardo Silva, who finds Haaland operating by to the sting of the field, he squares it to Gundogan, who then steps over it to depart Grealish in area 17 or so yards out on the left of the field. His shot is deflected, which takes it past the outstretched proper arm of Ramsdale…
A little bit of luck? Yes. But Arsenal have been trying dodgy on the again this half.
A reasonably large celebation from Grealish, there.
09:04 PM
71 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
This sport is more and more tetchy and disjointed.
09:03 PM
68 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Zinchenko makes a mistake on the sting of his personal field… undecided what he was attempting to do however he dallied and could not discover his team-mate.
Bernardo collects the ball, performs in Haaland however the Norwegian can solely take it proper and away from objective earlier than Ramsdale collects. Danger and Arsenal residing a bit near the road now.
09:01 PM
67 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
City now have a free-kick about 10 yards out from the left nook of the field. Grealish was fouled. De Bruyne stands over it.
The ball is available in, the ball is headed by Rodri, saved by Ramsdale, after which the follow-up shot is cleared off the road!
09:00 PM
65 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
A very good likelihood for Arsenal! Tomiyasi crosses from the precise after a through-ball from Odegaard, Nketiah checks his run however cannot fairly get to the ball as he slides in on the six-yard field.
08:59 PM
63 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
It’s all getting bitty now. Grealish booked, after which Nketiah booked for a late problem. This sport has all of the vibes of a Clasico from round 10 years in the past. Great sport for the primary half, then it will get to the hour mark and Sergio Ramos does his finest to make 100 fouls and Sergio Busquets begins rolling round on the ground for 3 minutes.
Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid is proven the pink card by referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco in the course of the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona on the Bernabeu on March 23, 2014 in Madrid, Spain – Denis Doyle/Getty Images
08:54 PM
61 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Mahrez off and Akanji on for City.
08:54 PM
59 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Haaland wipes out Gabriel with an elbow to the again of the neck because the ball came visiting. He noticed the place he was and, whether or not he meant it or not, that’s undoubtedly a foul and ought to be a minimum of a yellow. Doesn’t look like, although.
08:50 PM
56 minutes – PENALTY TO CITY? NO.
Gabriel tussles with Jesus and pulls down Haaland as they enter the field on the precise, although it began earlier than. Anthony Taylor factors to the spot… however it seems to be like Haaland is simply offside.
A penalty is awarded for a foul by Arsenal’s Gabriel on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland earlier than it’s overturned for an offside after a VAR verify in the course of the Premier League match on the Emirates Stadium, London – PA
They do a Var verify and it’s confirmed he was offside. Gabriel’s reserving is wiped off. Unbooked because it had been.
08:49 PM
55 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Grealish trying harmful charging ahead with the ball at his toes however his go to Mahrez on the precise wing is poor and overhit.
08:47 PM
53 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Arsenal attempt to counter however lose the ball with a sloppy go. The crowd actually up once more right here, particularly after Arteta’s little intervention on the touchline. Odegaard thinks he is fouled by Bernardo Silva on the left touchline however he is not, he is actually not. The ball goes out for a City throw.
Still pretty intense early within the second half. Very satisfying, although.
08:45 PM
50 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Martinelli to Zinchenko on the left, however he hesistates in getting a cross or go away and Mahrez steals the ball, just for Haaland and De Bruyne to lose it. They do win a throw, although.
A little bit of argy-bargy with Arteta, who strikes the ball away from the Belgian together with his toes. The City participant needs to take the throw rapidly after which shoves the Arsenal supervisor, who was being a bit pesky there.
Arsenal v Manchester City – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – February 15, 2023 Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta clashes with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne – REUTERS
08:42 PM
48 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Grealish dances again in direction of his personal penalty field however ultimately finds a blue shirt on the finish of it, beginning a transfer from deep. City recycling the ball within the early a part of this half.
08:41 PM
47 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Tomiyasu booked, for timewasting, I feel.
08:39 PM
KICK OFF: Arsenal 1 Man City 1
We’re again below method once more. Bernardo Silva remains to be on the pitch. Will he finish the sport on the pitch? Probably not, in some way.
08:39 PM
Apologies to Bukayo Saka
Earlier I wrote that he was fouled once more by Bernardo Silva “and rightly so”. I (clearly) meant Bernardo Silva was “rightly” booked for fouling Saka once more, which I failed to say.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates their first objective in the course of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. – Charlotte Wilson/Offside
08:32 PM
Arsenal look the extra prone to win this sport because it stands
It’s most likely going to be a case of who takes their possibilities, although. Aside from the City objective it isn’t like they’ve had a bagful of fine possibilities. But they’re all the time going to be harmful.
08:27 PM
More detailed match stats at half-time
08:26 PM
Sam Dean’s half-time verdict
This is a superb sport. Two groups going for it, attempting to play by their opponents and urgent excessive. Arsenal are greater than holding their very own towards the champions and, on the general stability of play, have absolutely been the higher facet.
For those that are all in favour of such issues, here is the possession and go depend from the primary half:
Possession: Arsenal 60 – 40 City
Accurate passes: Arsenal 218 – 172 City
08:24 PM
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Well, that was a half that was deserving of the billing.
08:22 PM
45+4 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Haaland wins a free kick in a harmful space. From the left facet, simply outdoors the field. The cross is available in from Mahrez, the ball bounces to Rodri, who heads the ball down, it glances off Ake and onto the crossbar and behind for a nook as Ramsdale clears the hazard.
08:19 PM
Watch: the penalty incident
What do you reckon? Yes or no.
08:18 PM
45+2 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Six minutes of added time right here. City come once more by De Bruyne, whose cross from the left is overhit and misplaced.
08:17 PM
45 minutes – Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Did Arsenal deserve that? Yeah, most likely. Saka has been kicked all over tonight.
Arsenal counter by Saka on the precise… he has Tomiyasu for help to his left… and Saka is fouled (once more!) by Bernardo Silva, who’s booked. Rightly so.
08:12 PM
GOAL! Arsenal 1 Man City 1
Saka sends Ederson the incorrect method, slotting into the left nook of the web with the within of his left foot!
All sq. on the Emirates…
08:11 PM
39 minutes – PENALTY TO ARSENAL!
Arsenal practically have the ball behind the web after Nketiah slides a low shot by goalwards, chasing onto a by ball. Ake clears off the road, however the referee Anthony Taylor factors to the spot!
It’s Ederson who clattered into Nketiah after he shot, that is why… appears truthful. He’s already been booked however escapes a sending off right here.
Premier League – Arsenal v Manchester City – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – February 15, 2023 Manchester City’s Ederson concedes a penalty towards Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah – Action Images by way of Reuters
Saka to take…
08:08 PM
Sam Dean on that Tomiyasu mistake
Takehiro Tomiyasu was the shock inclusion tonight, with Ben White dropping to the bench, and the choice has not paid off. It’s not an terrible error by the Japanese worldwide however it was all that City and Kevin De Bruyne wanted… that is what they do: one mistake and also you’re useless.
The Emirates crowd sings Tomiyasu’s title in response.
08:08 PM
37 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 1
Arsenal nonetheless trying fairly decided and dogged. Plenty of stray passes from either side in a sport of excessive depth.
08:06 PM
35 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 1
A little bit of a lull in procedings as Arsenal attempt to regroup after happening. They had a few good possibilities instantly after happening and have been, on stability, the higher facet. But nonetheless they path.
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, proper, and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City on the Emirates stadium in London, England, Wednesday, Feb.15, 2023 – AP Photo/Kin Cheung
Ederson booked for time-wasting after a City free-kick in their very own field.
08:04 PM
33 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 1
Walker is again up and can rejoin play. He does so just a little early, kicking the ball earlier than he’s formally again on the pitch and picks up a reserving. All a bit foolish.
08:03 PM
31 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 1
The Emirates crowd are up, if just a little nervous after that. Walker wins a free-kick after Martinelli nudges him into his again and sends him head over heels nearly as he was goign for a header, touchdown flat on his again. A definte foul, regardless of the protests are. Should be within the e book in my e book.
Walker is down for a bit… appeared like his head hit the bottom.
08:00 PM
28 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 1
Another good likelihood for Arsenal. Or it ought to have been…
Odegaard finds Saka on the precise fringe of the field, however he takes an excessive amount of time and can’t get a shot away as blue shirts swarm round him and City clear the hazard. Think he was offside, although, on replay.
07:59 PM
27 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 1
Martinelli sends within the ball from the left, it is deflected to Tomiyasu who’s in area 12 yards out… it is coming from excessive however he can not recover from it and fires it over the bar. Should have completed higher however a tough likelihood.
07:57 PM
GOAAAAAAL: Arsenal 0 Man City 1
City break down the left… Tomiyasu seems to have the hazard sorted, although Grealish is hassling him… aside from his ball again to Ramsdale is a good distance brief and Kevin De Bruyne takes it proper in his stride, lifting it first time over the Arsenal keeper from 23 yards together with his left foot. An exquisite end and a howler from the Arsenal defender.
07:53 PM
22 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Odegaard with a stunning contact to seek out Martinelli within the center, the play comes by a second part, Zinchenko sends in an outstanding cross to Nketiah who’s unmarked and simply yards from objective… he will get his head on it however sends it painfully huge!
Arsenal v Manchester City – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – February 15, 2023 Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah heads at objective Action Images – Action Images by way of Reuters
That’s poor, actually poor. He has to attain there.
07:51 PM
21 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Saka simply caught by Ake on the follow-through of a go? No. I feel the Arsenal participant simply goes over on his ankle a bit however seems to be tremendous.
07:49 PM
19 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Haaland with one other burst down the left however he’s stopped by Zinchenko and Arsenal regain possesion. Arsenal most likely marginally the higher facet… effectively, possibly not, however City at present look the higher facet.
07:47 PM
15 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Mahrez pings a ball into Haaland from the precise nook of the field. The massive Norwegian breaks into area, previous Tomiyasu on the far put up. Haaland will get a left boot on it to attempt to direct it goalwards however as an alternative it runs throughout the face of the objective. Danger for Arsenal, there.
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C up) fights for the ball with Arsenal’s Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City on the Emirates Stadium in London on February 15, 2023. – IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP by way of Getty Images
07:44 PM
13 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Cries for an Arsenal penalty as Ake dives in low to go the ball away as he challenges Nketiah for a cross in. It goes the opposite method although, regardless of the Arsenal man ending up on the ground.
The boot wasn’t actually that prime, and Ake was diving… however I feel Nketiah would have seen that when he went to problem. Hmmm. Maybe a tad harsh. Definitely not a penalty, although. In this universe or some other.
07:42 PM
10 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Tomiyasu provides the ball away within the City half however City don’t then do a lot with it and Arsenal come once more.
07:40 PM
Sam Dean from the Emirates
Bernardo Silva’s positioning in the present day will likely be fascinating. Nominally he is taking part in as a central midfielder, however when Arsenal have had the ball to this point he is been the person closest to Bukayo Saka.
Bernardo as a makeshift left-back? Seems unlikely, and possibly unwise. And but right here we’re. As the sport goes on, it’ll absolutely be Nathan Ake who takes the lead in coping with Saka… however maybe not.
07:39 PM
9 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
This time a foul by Bernardo Silva on Saka is picked up.
07:38 PM
7 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Corner to City comes after Grealish picks up the ball the ball and drives by, looking for a blue shirt within the field however it’s knocked behind for a nook. Probably a foul on Saka by Bernardo Silva within the build-up although and that was not noticed or given.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in motion with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva – Action Images by way of Reuters
07:36 PM
6s min – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
City’s first assault comes by Haaland, who will get previous Gabriel and Zinchenko with ease and power on the precise touchline, however then the assault breaks down quickly after.
07:35 PM
4 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
The two groups line-up fairly excessive because the ball is put down. Odegaard lifts it in together with his left foot however it’s headed away by Kevin De Bruyne and there’s no actual follow-up menace from the pink shirts.
07:34 PM
3 minutes – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
Arsenal with the overwhelming majority of the ball on this opening couple of minutes. Tomiyasu drives down the left. Diaz is penalised for a foul on Nketiah and it undoubtedly was, by the again. It’s on the precise, most likely about 36 yards out.
07:32 PM
1 min – Arsenal 0 Man City 0
A half-chance for Arsenal… Martinelli performs in Nketiah on the left of the field, it is blocked and deflected out to Xhaka, whose shot from 16 yards or so is overhit and goes nowhere close to the objective.
07:31 PM
KICK OFF: Arsenal vs Man City
City get the sport below method. Again, I’ve stated it earlier than, good to see each groups carrying their conventional residence kits. Including white shorts on each. None of that “need to have totally different colored shorts” nonsense that we appear to see a lot of lately.
07:28 PM
Kick-off approaches
Predictions? 2-1 City, for me.
07:25 PM
Haaland is a key man tonight
Plenty of targets for him to this point this 12 months… any extra tonight? I’m going to say… yeah. Two.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts in the course of the heat up previous to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England. – Julian Finney/Getty Images
07:20 PM
A reminder of the line-ups with 10 minutes till kick-off
07:16 PM
And how massive a miss will Partey be?
07:12 PM
How a lot of an influence can this man have tonight?
Jorginho of Arsenal warms up previous to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England – Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
07:06 PM
Arteta will not have the ability to do that on the pitch in the present day
But he will likely be hoping for a purpose to have fun after 90 minutes this night.
07:01 PM
Arsenal’s current league file towards City is unhealthy
It makes for grim studying for Arsenal followers, particularly within the league. Arsenal have solely taken two factors because the begin of 2016, and have misplaced their final 10 league video games towards City.
The combination rating for these 10 video games could be 26-3, with the final time Arsenal beat City within the league coming in December 2015.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala (left) and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey (proper) battle for the ball in the course of the Barclays Premier League match at The Emirates Stadium, London – Adam Davy/PA Wire
06:54 PM
Man City’s kind because the begin of the 12 months
W 0-1 vs Chelsea (A)
W 4-0 vs Chelsea (H) (FA Cup)
L 2-0 vs Southampton (A) (EFL Cup)
L 2-1 vs Manchester United (A)
W 4-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)
W 3-0 vs Wolves (H)
W 1-0 vs Arsenal (H) (FA Cup)
L 0-1 vs Arsenal (A)
W 3-1 vs Aston Villa (H)
Six wins, three losses. So/so.
06:48 PM
Pep Guardiola speaks
“I made a decision with this line up, I might select one other one.
Of course. Great stadium, environment. Many years Arsenal are ready for this second. Mikel and his staff actually modified the staff. They will create loads of challenges and now we have to deal with it in any other case will probably be tough.”
06:44 PM
Mikel Arteta speaks to Amazon Prime Video
On dropping Thomas Partey:
“It’s what occurs in soccer, sadly. Thomas felt one thing in his again muscle and he wasn’t accessible to play in the present day. That’s why we introduced [Jorginho] him right here for these events.
That was a chance, he has the chance in the present day. Tommy [Tomiyasu, in for Ben White] deserves the prospect as effectively, it’s essential to be very adaptable on this sport and Tommy has this high quality and we’re going to give him an opportunity.”
On how they reply to the blip in kind:
“Keep doing the identical and higher, however be extra environment friendly. We have dominated the video games and created sufficient possibilities to win. Small margins dictate outcomes.
The sport may have momentums that can shift and we’re going to want these folks to be proper behind us to create a particular atmosphre in the present day.”
On dealing with Pep Guardiola:
“You know what he goes by, they’ve so many choices. You see the capabilities they’ve to vary formation, to vary gamers, to adapt gamers to different positions. We have to stay to who we’re and do our greatest.”
On what the followers can do:
“We want these folks to show this place absolutelymental and assist the staff to win the sport.”
06:34 PM
Team information
Arsenal
Starting XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah.
Subs: Turner, White, Tierney, Kiwior, Holding, Vieira, Trossard, Nelson, Cozier-Duberry
Manchester City
Starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Gundogan (C), Bernardo, Mahrez, Grealish, Haaland
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Phillips, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Akanji, Foden, Palmer, Lewis
06:30 PM
The high of the desk earlier than kick-off
How totally different will it look in a couple of hours?
06:25 PM
Doesn’t appear like the truth that Partey is on the floor means something
So don’t get your hopes up, Arsenal followers.
06:20 PM
Arsenal’s kind because the begin of the 12 months
D 0-0 vs Newcastle (H)
W 0-3 Oxford United (A) (FA Cup)
W 0-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur (A)
W 3-2 vs Manchester United (H)
L 1-0 vs Manchester City (A) (FA Cup)
L 1-0 vs Everton (A)
D 1-1 vs Brentford (H)
A little bit of a wobble, it is truthful to say.
06:14 PM
Well, it seems to be like Thomas Partey is on the floor…
Thomas Partey of Arsenal earlier than the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England. – Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC by way of Getty Images
Will he be on the bench, beginning?
06:04 PM
Preview
Is this the largest sport of the season to this point? You’d be onerous pushed to argue towards it, trying on the desk.
After an astonishing first half of the season, Arsenal cleared the path with 51 factors from their 21 video games. Manchester City are shut behind, on 48 factors however have performed a sport extra.
No doubt Mikel Arteta’s males need to be the place they’re having misplaced simply twice all season and solely dropping 12 factors (and 7 of these of their final 5 league video games) however the query – and certainly the duty – is to maintain themselves there.
The essential and fairly probably the deciding issue, nonetheless, is that City and Arsenal are but to fulfill within the league at all, with tonight’s fixture and the corresponding fixture on the Etihad Stadium left to play on April 26.
A win for both facet may very well be huge. Win and Arsenal lengthen their result in six factors with a sport in hand. Should City win they might go to the highest of the desk on objective distinction, having performed a sport extra. A draw and issues are as they had been, although that basically favours leaders Arsenal.
Certainly, Guardiola doesn’t need his staff to surrender the title with out a battle. With their kind typically stuttering from their normal excessive requirements, tonight could be a very good second to kick-start their marketing campaign.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, seems to be on previous to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Manchester, England – Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
The City supervisor stated: “The greatest motivation is that I do not wish to drop the Premier League simply because we’re not who we’re.
“If they beat us as a result of they’re higher then that is sport, I’ll be the primary to congratulate them, as I’ve all the time completed. But not as a result of we’re not there. You need it? OK, battle. Take it. It’s in our fingers.
“We’ll defend this title till the final day. This is what I’d like. To battle to the utmost to attempt to retain the title. If we do not, settle for it, however we have to give our greatest. My gamers need to really feel that daily.”
05:24 PM
News: Partey prone to miss essential City conflict
By Sam Dean, on the Emirates
Thomas Partey is predicted to overlook this night’s essential top-of-the desk conflict between Arsenal and Manchester City after choosing up a muscle harm.
Partey, who’s one in every of Arsenal’s most necessary gamers, was set to begin the match on the base of Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
His anticipated absence represents a serious blow to Arsenal, given his significance to Arteta’s system and the standard of tonight’s opponents.
Ghana worldwide Partey has began all however three league matches this season, with Arsenal dropping solely a type of video games, away to Everton earlier this month.
Arsenal’s Thomas Partey in the course of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, United Kingdom – Stephanie Meek – Digital cameraSport by way of Getty Images
The change in plans will possible imply a primary begin for Arsenal for Jorginho, who signed from Chelsea within the January switch window.
Jorginho was initially purchased as cowl for Partey and he has to this point performed a complete of 31 minutes in an Arsenal shirt.
In an interview within the matchday programme forward of the City match, Jorginho stated of his transfer to north London: “It is an effective alternative for me to have a brand new problem at this age.
“I actually like the best way the staff is taking part in, the work that’s being completed, and what we’re doing right here may be very thrilling. I’ve appeared for a very long time to be trustworthy and thought what they had been doing right here is simply wonderful.
“Now I’m a part of it, so it’s what we’re constructing and what we’re starting now. I’m actually pleased being a part of it as a result of now we have bought younger gamers, hungry gamers, a very good coach with a tremendous mentality, instructing his soccer to younger gamers. So I feel the longer term at this membership goes to be excellent and we will goal very excessive.”
The sport kicks off at 7.30pm GMT and will see City go high with a win towards their closest rivals.
