Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City

By Mitch Peotter

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Nathan Ake of Manchester City heads towards goalduring the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Nathan Ake of Manchester City heads towards goalduring the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

Positive #3: Saka is HIM

Bukayo Saka converted yet another big penalty for the Gunners. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka converted yet another big penalty for the Gunners. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Yeah, we knew this, but there’s no such thing as too much praise for our starboy. He once again slotted home a big penalty for the Gunners, this time to level the score, and was overall one of Arsenal’s best players in the match.

He did not deserve to lose, but a player, this good and hungry for more, will be key in the race for the title.

Negative #3: Left-hand side

Arsenal’s left-hand side has struggled in Gabriel Jesus’ absence. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s left-hand side has struggled in Gabriel Jesus’ absence. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

It’s been no secret that Arsenal’s left side of the attack has struggled since the World Cup. Missing Gabriel Jesus has limited Martinelli and Xhaka, which was evident in the match on Wednesday. Martinelli actually played better, making good runs, taking care of the ball when he had it, and getting into the box.

This issue is that he’s just so isolated from getting the ball. Xhaka has recently struggled in the final third and his limitations have been on full display in Jesus’ absence. Nketiah has been fantastic since coming in, but Jesus’ return can’t come soon enough.

Home/Arsenal News