Arsenal must respond and respond fast after Man City defeat

Mikel Arteta rose his arms aloft, almost in disbelief. “I’ve never seen [Takehiro] Tomiyasu make that pass back in seven years,” he said post-match, rationalising his live reaction.

The Japanese international’s ill-fated attempt to play the ball back to Aaron Ramsdale allowed Kevin De Bruyne to pounce, and the Belgian handed Manchester City the lead in Wednesday night’s top-of-the-table six-pointer. The most significant contest held at the Emirates in a decade, some said.

De Bruyne’s wonderfully-taken opener had seemingly arrived at the most inopportune of times. After an understandably tense opening, Arsenal were just starting to find their groove both with and without the ball before Tomiyasu teed up the Belgian. The deficit could’ve crippled a side that hadn’t tasted a victory since 22 January, but the Gunners instead embarked on a mightily impressive 15-minute period before the end of the half.

Arteta’s man orientation once again caused City problems, as they were once again forced to punt hopeless long balls into the general vicinity of Erling Haaland, who was often working off scraps.

“In the first half, Arsenal were much better than us, maybe because I changed something and it was not good enough,” Pep Guardiola later admitted. His side were flummoxed by Arsenal’s intensity and they eventually succumbed to an inevitable equaliser before half-time. Sure, the penalty decision was fortunate, but it was no less than the Gunners deserved. Bukayo Saka converted coolly from 12 yards.

1-1 at the break with City seemingly on the ropes. This was it: Arsenal’s big moment. A chance to assert total superiority in the title race and stride away from an outfit whose greatness didn’t appear so concrete.

But the second-half performance that supporters longed for, one that the hosts seemed capable of after the opening 45 minutes, never arrived. While Pep tinkered, Arteta understandably failed to change tack, but it was the former’s adjustments that helped City gain greater control in the contest.

Manuel Akanji was introduced just before the hour which allowed Nathan Ake to shift over to left-back and Bernardo Silva, previously left one-on-one against Saka, to replace Riyad Mahrez down the right. The change was an obvious one to make, but it made City less predictable in the build-up while handing them greater security against Arsenal’s most potent threat. Saka once again failed to get anything out of the mightily impressive Ake, who is emerging as one of Europe’s most formidable one-v-one defenders.

As City gained greater control, the swagger that marinated Arsenal’s work in the first half slowly dissipated. There was less assurance, and perhaps the players felt they’d already missed their big chance to get one over a side they haven’t beaten in the Premier League since Guardiola took charge. Arsenal’s inferiority complex reared its ugly head as a second individual error allowed the ruthless Citizens to strike again.

Gabriel’s mishit pass kickstarted a sweeping transition that culminated in Jack Grealish finishing beyond Ramsdale. A deflated Emirates fell silent before Haaland scored a third after more slick work in the final third. It was ruthless stuff from the visitors as they laid down their credentials for a third-straight title.

This is a flawed City side, but they know how to win when it matters most on the domestic scene. Arsenal, who proved they can match up against Guardiola’s side and dominate them for large swathes, aren’t there just yet. Perhaps Gabriel Jesus or Thomas Partey’s availability could’ve tilted the contest in their favour.

Ultimately, though, there’s still reason for optimism. When was the last time we saw Guardiola’s side work so hard for three points? City recorded their lowest totals for possession (36%), passing accuracy (72%) and successful passes (219) in a Premier League match under the Spaniard, depicting the Gunners’ efficacy without the ball.

There was plenty to like about Arsenal’s display, but this was always going to be a contest about details, adjustments and moments. Pep’s tinkering returned his side to a level we’re all familiar with, and they subsequently capitalised on the moments that Arsenal presented to them.

The defeat saw the Gunners relinquish top spot for the first time in months, but all is not lost. Arteta’s side may be in a bit of a rut, but there’s still plenty of football to be played. City, once they get ahead, will be mightily difficult to catch, so Arsenal can ill-afford for their indifferent run of form to perpetuate on Saturday at Villa Park.

A familiar face awaits in Unai Emery, who’ll undoubtedly be determined to scupper his former employers’ title hopes even further.