Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 things we learned – Unai Emery got it wrong

By Andrew Dowdeswell

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1089388290,1072868284 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City (L) and Arsenal manager Unai Emery. Manchester City and Arsenal meet in a Premier League match on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City looks on before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Arsenal manager Unai Emery looks on ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1089388290,1072868284 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City (L) and Arsenal manager Unai Emery. Manchester City and Arsenal meet in a Premier League match on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City looks on before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Arsenal manager Unai Emery looks on ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

4. Top four not won or lost here

Arsenal’s goal for the season was to reclaim a top-four finish, qualifying for the all-important Champions League. With six very good teams in the Premier League, that was never going to be an easy achievement. But if the Gunners are to finish in the top four, it is not these games that will determine it.

A win at the Etihad would have been a brilliant result, a very useful and unexpected three points. But very few teams this season will be getting many points away to Manchester City. This is the toughest game of the year. These matches are like playing with house money. You have nothing to lose.

The games that Arsenal need to win are those against the lesser teams. At home against Cardiff City in midweek, for instance. Next weekend versus Huddersfield Town. Winning those matches and not dropping points will net a top-four finish. This was disappointing, yes, but it is not where the top four will be won or lost.