Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 things we learned – Arsenal have hope

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their second goal during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London, on July 18, 2020. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their second goal during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London, on July 18, 2020. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

On Saturday evening, Arsenal faced Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. Here are five things we learned from the astounding 2-0 victory.

In a remarkable FA Cup semi-final, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal faced the brilliant Manchester City and handled them superbly. Defending stoutly and counter-attacking ferociously, they repelled City’s relentless waves of attacks before breaking forward with pace and precision. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, the team worked tirelessly, and Arteta’s masterplan came to fruition. This is a great day to be an Arsenal fan.

Here are five things we learned.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 18: David Silva of Manchester City fouls Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on July 18, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 18: David Silva of Manchester City fouls Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on July 18, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis/Pool via Getty Images) /

5. This is what Lacazette gives you

Alexandre Lacazette was the best player on the pitch in the first half. Playing in a false-nine-type position, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe flanking him and pushing high, the Frenchman excelled as he dropped into the midfield to receive the ball with his back to goal, hold off a pressuring defender, and then move the ball wide for Arsenal to progress play forwards.

Time and time again, Lacazette demanded difficult passes from his teammates. Not only did he control them; he would off the City defender, spin into space, and then play a pass into another teammate in space. Lacazette won several fouls, allowed Arsenal to release building pressure from the relentless waves of City attacks, and was the focal point of the Gunners’ counter-attacks. And then, without the ball, he played a crucial role in nullifying the control impact of Ilkay Gundogan. The German played at the base of the City midfield. There to dictate the tempo and control the play, Lacazette simply followed him when the City centre-backs and goalkeeper had the ball. He did not allow City to play through the thirds and forced them to go long. This is what a confident, fully fit Lacazette can give you.