Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 things we learned – Nothing’s changed

1. Arsenal have a long, long way to go

Mikel Arteta arrived at Arsenal as Pep Guardiola’s protege. It was largely believed that he was being groomed for the Manchester City job itself, with Guardiola not one to remain with teams for years and years. So when he came to north London and looked to restart the project, it was natural to assume that many of the City tendencies and tenets would come with him.

City’s performance on Wednesday, therefore, provides the measuring stick for what Arteta must reach. This is the standard. And there is one stark difference between the two teams at present, something that Arteta cannot do anything about: the quality of the players.

Kevin de Bruyne was majestic, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez terrorised, while David Silva was his silky self. Then Guardiola introduced Sergio Aguero, Rodri, Fernandinho and Phil Foden from off the bench. Arteta sent on Luiz.

Put simply, while there is optimism surrounding the Arteta project, the ultimate aim is a long, long way off from where the team currently is. There is much work to be done.