Arsenal player ratings vs Man City with three 4/10s dished out in defeat | Football | Sport

Arsenal lost at Manchester City to leave the Premier League title battle hanging in the balance. Pep Guardiola’s team can go top when they face Burnley at Turf Moor in midweek. City opened the scoring through Rayan Cherki following some sublime footwork. Nevertheless, moments later, an error from Gianluigi Donnarumma presented Kai Havertz the opportunity to pounce and equalise.

Despite creating numerous opportunities, with Kai Havertz breaking through and Eberechi Eze striking the woodwork, it was Erling Haaland who delivered the winner. Gabriel was fortunate to escape a red card after clashing with the Norwegian. Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners after a disappointing defeat…

Arsenal player ratings vs Man City

David Raya – 5

There was an early moment of anxiety from the Spanish goalkeeper as he nearly surrendered the ball to Haaland. For both goals he was well beaten and could do little about it.

Saw a header from an early corner directed wide and was carded in the first half for repeated fouling as he battled to control Doku. But he performed pretty well at right-back.

Was fortunate to see the referee sound his whistle, but had he not, the Frenchman produced a crucial goal-line clearance. Overall he had a solid match.

Produced a crucial block to stop Rayan Cherki from handing the home side the lead, diverting it onto the post. Lost the aerial duel with Haaland for City’s second of the afternoon. Was fortunate to escape without a red card in the end.

Delivered a superb block on Antoine Semenyo to deny a close-range opportunity. Worked tirelessly throughout and did excellently to contain Semenyo.

Undoubtedly one of the Spaniard’s stronger performances, and it was precisely what was required in the grandest of occasions.

The driving force of the midfield yet struggled to impose himself sufficiently on the ball during the most critical moments.

Welcomed back into the starting line-up, the four-man City ‘press’ if it can be called that, was handled considerably better as the Gunners captain could drop deep to collect and advance the ball. Delivered the two passes for two significant chances but there was a feeling that overall he still failed to produce the desired influence on the match.

Made several bursting runs down the right flank, but was unable to break through and was taken off at half-time by Arteta.

The press proved fruitful for Havertz, getting his foot on Donnarumma’s attempted clearance to watch the ball bounce into the net. Played in behind by Odegaard, he saw his effort saved by Donnarumma and was pipped in a foot race for a one-on-one with Bernardo Silva. Headed over a late opportunity that could have salvaged a point.

Was regrettably at fault for the opening goal, withdrawing from a challenge and paying the price as Cherki broke through to score. Came close to netting the Gunners’ second, pivoting onto his left foot and bending one against the post. The choice to substitute him rather than Odegaard left many perplexed.

Substitutes

Gabriel Martinelli – 5

Entering at half-time in place of Madueke and instantly made the mistake of surrendering possession centrally, which resulted in Haaland’s opportunity, striking the post from a subsequent corner.

Had minimal to no impact on the match.

Came on and delivered the late cross to Havertz which could have secured Arsenal the result they so craved.

Introduced late in the match and had scant influence on the outcome.