3 positives & negatives from huge Manchester City win

Positive #2: Defensive solidity

Finally, we have kept a Premier League clean sheet at the Emirates this season – and what a game to record it in.

Despite our nervy start, other than the effort that forced a clearance from Rice, Man City were unable to create anything clear-cut in front of goal. This was true even more so in the second half, during which our increased control of the match made it far easier for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, who were excellent in this match, to marshall Erling Haaland.

We limited the reigning champions to just one shot target, and that is a testament to the focus of every single player on the pitch and their desire to be more solid in our defensive third.

Negative #2: No Bukayo Saka

However, despite the nature of the win, there is still one cloud hanging over the game, and that is the fact that Saka was unable to make even the bench after he limped off against RC Lens midweek.

After the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the winger will not link up with the England squad during the upcoming international break, which should hopefully mean he will be fresh and eager to return to the squad when club football returns.

Continued on the next slide…