3 Arsenal concerns after Man City defeat

As Gooners waited for the evening of 15 February to come around, the anticipation for the clash between Manchester City and Arsenal could not have been any higher.

Despite an exquisite first half from the Gunners, the Citizens left the Emirates with a two-goal advantage and three points. The game was competitive in every sense of the word. Tempers flared, cards were given, and full sporting passion was on display from fan to player and manager.

3 Arsenal concerns after Man City defeat

Ultimately, the Gunners should be left happy with the performance, going toe-to-toe with the best team in the world is a step up in Arteta’s progression. Yet, there are three concerns we must now come to terms with.

1. Thomas Partey’s injury

Up until the Everton loss, the Gunners had not lost a game that Partey had started this season. He’s imperative to Arteta’s system, and his absence was a huge blow on Wednesday.

Although his injury does appear not to be serious, one need not be a genius to see that Jorginho is a categorical downgrade. Arteta has been criticised for starting the exact same 11 each matchday, but asking the Spaniard to switch the midfield would be analogous to asininity. Jorginho did enough to justify his place in the Arsenal squad, but he lacked the offensive bite, tenacity, and overall intent that Partey brings to the side.

It is no secret that Arsenal Football Club’s on-pitch success depends on the availability of north London’s Ghanaian international.

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2. Youthful errors

In an article recently I spoke of the mental advantage a young squad has. Youthful players have an uncanny ability to go again after a bad week, however, they are also susceptible to having such.

Against City, any errors will prove costly. The first goal came as a result of a Takehiro Tomiyasu mistake. A very uncharacteristic event for such a strong and reliable defender. The Jack Grealish goal came from a Gabriel error. The defender played a limp pass which was intercepted, Haaland played the ball across, and eventually, the ball was placed into the net by the Citizens’ £100m man.

But the errors were not simply defensive. Arsenal missed many chances during periods of the game where they were dominating. In one instance, Eddie Nketiah missed a very good opportunity from a fierce Oleksandr Zinchenko cross. The game simply came down to the Gunners’ actions. In light of such heartbreaking mistakes, missed chances, and wasted possession, the team will feel disappointed but must understand their destiny is still in their hands. The loss was their own fault.

The crowd, should and will be back to support them against Aston Villa.

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3. Not capitalising on Bernardo Silva at left-back

Pep Guardiola took a massive risk playing Bernardo Silva at left back against Arsenal on Wednesday. The team sheet, I am sure, surprised most fans.

However, it seemed the Gunners were unwilling to feed Saka the ball down the right. The winger played fantastically, scoring a penalty, but it did not appear to be in the game plan to exploit Bernardo Silva’s positioning.

It should concern fans that the team did not exploit this defensive weakness enough. It must be said that Anthony Taylor played a key role in the Gunners’ apathy towards the right wing. Bernardo Silva committed multiple fouls on Saka before getting a yellow card. Guardiola’s defensive game plan shifted later in the game, which allowed them to soak up Arsenal’s pressure and eventually convert two goals.

In conclusion, Arsenal should be feeling disappointed and proud simultaneously. Missing the most important player in the squad, yet being able to put on a first-half display with that level of competitiveness and pure ability should provide some hope. Fans will now look towards Aston Villa and hope that the Gunners get back to winning ways. As long as Arsenal’s destiny remains in their hands, there is no need to panic.