After the unsuccessful start to the season, Arsenal recently had four wins in a row in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola should only have had a tired smile before the direct duel on New Year’s Day. The league leaders celebrated ten triumphs in a row.
In the duel between the two best-form English teams, City got off to a better start, repeatedly causing danger in the penalty area for Gunners goalie Ramsdale with crosses from the half-field.
But Arsenal, which had to do without the quarantined coach Mikel Arteta, also played its part in an entertaining top game. Again and again, the Londoners caused danger with their counterattack – and after ten minutes they were unlucky that a boarding of City goalie Ederson against Ödegaard went unpunished.
Arsenal dominate City before the break
Arsenal, however, were unimpressed, took over the dictation of the game and finally took the lead in the 31st minute. Saka scored the first goal of the new year after a nice pass from Tiernay. Martinelli almost doubled up shortly afterwards (38th minute), but his flick hissed inches past the crossbar.
The Brazilian, the most conspicuous man on the pitch, just before the break, after a great solo run, just missed the 2-0 again. And ManCity? After the good start phase, nothing more came from the sovereign leader – on the contrary. At times, the Skyblues from Arsenal were practically played on the wall.
In the second half the focus was suddenly on Granit Xhaka. The national team captain, who usually showed a very strong game, took on Bernardo Silva in the penalty area and caused a penalty. Mahrez equalized from the point.
Red for Gabriel
Suddenly the top fight threatened to escalate. Laporte over-praised his own goalie, Ake saved on the line. Martinelli then put the margin over the empty goal. And just seconds later, Arsenal defender Gabriel flew off the pitch after a rude entry at the center line with yellow and red.
Outnumbered, Arsenal had to shift down a few gears, but defended the point without any effort. An offensive fireworks display from the championship leaders from Manchester did not take place – until the 93rd minute.
Rodri poked the ball after a De Bruyne cross somehow past Ramsdale for the eleventh league win in a row for the league leaders. Arsenal’s streak, on the other hand, is coming to an end despite long stretches of strong performance.