Arsenal 1-2 Man City: 4 talking points from heartbreaking defeat

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri (2L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 1, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City is challenged by Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Thomas Partey Delivers Masterclass

This is the kind of performance from Thomas Partey that warrants his price tag. The Ghanaian was sensational in the middle of the park. His best ever display in red and white.

Combative, tough in the tackle, dynamic, and expansive, he was everywhere at the Emirates.

His ability to find others in space and create openings for himself under heavy pressure was a constant feature. Some his feints in central areas were delightful and his tackling broke up countless City attacks while his positioning often forced the visitors out wide.

A proper performance from Arsenal’s No.5 as he largely had his way with the extremely talented City engine room. He was sublime.

Unfortunately, Partey is now off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana so the Gunners fans will have to wait to see him in action again. The timing is desperately unfortunate with him hitting this level, but good luck to him and Ghana.

Continued on next page…

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