Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal: 4 talking points from FA Cup defeat

Adam Schultz

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, looks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on January 27, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. A second-half Nathan Ake goal was enough to secure progression into the FA Cup fifth round for Pep Guardiola’s men.

As expected, Mikel Arteta made a host of changes with Matt Turner, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Fabio Vieira all starting alongside January arrival Leonardo Trossard.

It was a positive first half from Arsenal as Trossard was a constant menace down his flank, and the side knocked the ball around confidently. While the score remained level at the half, the Gunners were the better side on enemy territory.

Rob Holding played reasonably well in the first half on Erling Haaland but did have some nervous moments.

City took the lead in the second half through Nathan Ake with a nice, low shot past Turner in goal. Arsenal’s half-time substitutions appeared to diminish their midfield force, and City took advantage.

Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal: 4 talking points from FA Cup defeat

The Gunners tried as they might to grab an equaliser that never came as they were knocked out of the FA Cup. Despite that, plenty of positives came out of the game.

1. Performance promising despite result

The Gunners’ performance shouldn’t be understated. Arsenal was the better side with a rotated squad at the Etihad.

The 1-0 loss will do nothing to dent the amount of confidence Arsenal already have and this showing holds them in good stead for the league meetings to come. Don’t be angry or annoyed, Arsenal fans; this was a fine performance outside of the Ake goal.

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Thomas Partey was forced off at half-time. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

2. Drop off in midfield quality once Party subbed

The Ghanaian was superb in the first half and was a big reason for Arsenal’s competitiveness. However, after he was subbed at half-time for Sambi Lokonga, the Gunners’ midfield took a hit.

A lot of the passing is sideways and backwards now, with no Partey to progress the ball, we look a shell of the team from the first-half.
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) January 27, 2023

City dominated the opening to the second half and got their goal. It further illustrates the need for a midfield signing in January.

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Leandro Trossard impressed on his first Arsenal start. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)

3. Leandro Trossard showed his quality

The Belgian showed exactly why Arteta signed him. There’s no longer a significant drop-off in quality should Gabriel Martinelli not be on the field.

https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup/status/1619068858618482689?s=20&t=EXyeVmadGsEDOuCJJownsw

In the first half, Trossard was a joy to watch. He was direct and aggressive with his passes and found his way into the City box repeatedly. Slowed as the game went on mainly due to substitutions, but, overall, this was a showing that will instil confidence going forward.

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Matt Turner produced a measured performance between the sticks. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

4. Matt Turner continues to impress

The Arsenal backup produced a good performance against City. After a rather shaky start, Turner grew into the game and made several good saves.

https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/1619077235218198528?s=20&t=EXyeVmadGsEDOuCJJownsw

Not at fault for the Ake goal, and he can be pleased with his efforts.

Adam Schultz

Adam is a freelance sports journalist and has been covering football for over five years. Adam is a football lover, has supported Arsenal since 2003 and he is not afraid to share his opinions on the club.