Arsenal 0-1 Man City: 4 talking points from Premier League defeat

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Lack of Risk Taking

Bukayo Saka didn’t have his best game in an Arsenal shirt. For him to be as sloppy as he was in key moments is something supporters haven’t grown accustomed to. And, despite all that, he was still the best player in red and white purely for willing to take the game to City.

Eager to take people on, attack the spaces and seek the elaborate pass, his desire was unmatched by the rest of the team.

Martin Odegaard was surprisingly poor, being wasteful in possession on the rare occasions he assumed it – Mohamed Elneny did his best to see him barely feature – and struggling to have a positive impact. He did try to be risky on the ball yet so little failed to come off.

There is a worry that Arsenal are too structured. Every phase is choreographed to such a degree that the scope for invention is limited. While this is being gradually worked towards, and perhaps is still the case considering the personnel available, the need for added ruthlessness continues to hamstring the side back in key moments. Of course on this occasion you must tip your hat to an unbelievable well organised City and realise the limitations of the Gunners’ midfield duo, but at least try and spark some life into proceedings.

Someone of Gabriel Martinelli’s ilk would add a natural, untouched element to the forward line, but for whatever reason he remains unused by Arteta.

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