Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Raheem Sterling sinks Gunners

Arsenal lost 1-0 against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday as Raheem Sterling’s goal after 72 seconds settled the contest.

Mikel Arteta made five changes to his side from the team that drew 1-1 with Benfica in the Europa League, although the trio of Martin Odegaard, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka retained their places for the crucial clash.

As is customary in this fixture, it only took a matter of seconds for the deadlock to be broken.

Raheem Sterling found spec in between Rob Holding and Pablo Mari to direct a header beyond Bernd Leno, with Man City utterly dominating in every department. They tightened their grip without adding more to the scoreline, as the hosts started to grow into the match.

Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday as Raheem Sterling strikes early

Getting joy down their left side, Arsenal threatened but were lacking the clinical edge and final ball to truly punish Manchester City. Tierney got into good positions, but lacked the killer touch.

It felt like a more even contest in the second half, even if Arsenal were sorely lacking in quality in the final third of the pitch. Even seeing the majority of the ball, sloppiness and fatigue went hand in hand.

Unable to create anything of note, let alone a shot on target, the Citizens were able to comfortably see the game out for a 1-0 win.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 6/10 – Made one notable save. Despite all of City’s dominance, Leno was never truly tested and passed the ball around well enough.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – 4/10 – Bellerin is the chosen scapegoat in this team, however unfairly that may be. However, there can’t be many complaints if he is criticised for today’s performance as it was a poor day at the office for the Spaniard. Also caught ball watching too often.

Rob Holding (CB) – 6/10 – Like a rabbit in the headlights, Holding was chasing the ball all over the pitch and not working in unison with his midfielders. Pushing and moving when he didn’t need to be, he left holes to expose that should have been his to fill. Poor positioning to allow Sterling to get a header in the six-yard box, but as Arsenal grew into the match, so too did Holding.

He loves playing under pressure, with the bit between his teeth and angry coursing through his veins. Score goes up after a torrid opening.

Pablo Mari (CB) – 5/10 – Obvious signs of rustiness having been out through injury, it’s hard for any centre-half to contend with the constant interchanging of City’s forwards and midfield. Given freedom to press high but sloppy on the ball.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 5/10 – Welcome back, Kieran…. The Scot was torn to shreds in the opening stages by Riyad Mahrez, and while he got tighter afterwards, the left side was a source of joy for City who pummeled that flank with bodies and trickery.

A tough day for Tierney, who found more joy when he was overlapping Saka after that rocky start, even if his final ball uncharacteristically let him down. Looked absolutely shattered out there.