Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 things we learned – Dejected resignation

3. Disparity in midfield possession is damning

If there was one key difference between Arsenal and City on Thursday night, it was the way in which they played in possession, especially in the midfield areas.

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City were fluid and free-flowing, playing one-and-two-touch passes, moving the ball quickly, forcing their opponents to chase shadows throughout. They were precise and accurate. They rotated their positions so that they did not grow predictable and safe. They pushed the ball down the field when they had the chance to, and they almost always looked to go forwards before coming backwards.

The very opposite was true for Arsenal. While it was not nearly as bad as at the weekend, they lacked the bravery and intention to play forward, often choosing the safe pass, inviting pressure onto them. They did not look to create chances, only to preserve possession so that they could rest a little. Their positions were rigid, with very few options for the player looking to pass, and the movement was slow, ponderous, lethargic and limited.

It was clear to see the difference between these two teams. It stems throughout the club, from the tactics that Pep Guardiola instils to the quality of the players on the pitch. City played very much like Arsenal used to: quick, clinical passing. They are a long way from what Arsenal are now.