Arsenal: 4 positives from last-gasp 2-1 Man City defeat

Coming away from a match against Manchester City usually makes Arsenal fans feel crestfallen. But that often comes as a result of being comfortably beaten. This is different.

Nobody gave Arsenal a hope in hell’s chance of winning this match. As impressive as their form had been with the results and performances just gone, there is no looking past the majesty of Man City.

Heading into Saturday’s game with ten straight Premier League wins in which they racked up 31 goals, Pep Guardiola’s side have continued to smash records with their most recent being the record number of victories by an English side in a calendar year.

They are frighteningly excellent.

Arsenal: 4 positives from last-gasp 2-1 Manchester City defeat as Rodri breaks Gunners’ hearts in the Premier League

Having been blown away by the same opposition 17 league matches ago, the expectancy wasn’t for Arsenal to secure a result. Instead, emotions were overtaken by a hope that the team could demonstrate their progression from that Etihad drubbing.

Without Mikel Arteta on the touchline it was expected to be even tougher for the hosts. That did not transpire. Arsenal were, despite the defeat, magnificent.

There were exceptional individual performances throughout the team, a collective spirit that provides no greater reassurance of a bright future, and a defeat defined only by the smallest of margins.

Losing ground in the hunt for the top four may be concerning, but Man City won’t have a tougher game all season. Leaving the Emirates heartbroken, the only response to the performance was one of genuine positivity.

1. Arsenal Showed Incredible Bravery

Against a team who work magic in the half-spaces and interchange across the pitch to draw players out of position so overloads can be fashioned, how you go about beating them is like trying to pass a camel through the eye of a needle.

Suffocating their opposition as they grip two hands on them either side and start squeezing, you have to be brave out of possession or else their dominance is allowed to grow.

This means challenging for the duels with a belief you can win them, pushing bodies forward out of your defensive third when the ball is in their half, and cutting off their passing lanes out from the back to force the turnovers.

Arsenal did all of those elements. That first half performance was not just the best under Mikel Arteta, it was one of the best in years. To not only go toe to toe with City but also having their gasping for air on the ropes is a feat few sides will manage.

The gulf in class between Arsenal and City was barely noticeable. That is the biggest compliment you can pay a side who are favourites for the Champions League and Premier League.

Arsenal were brave and they so nearly got their rewards.

Continued on next page…