Man City 2-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners fall at the Etihad

Arsenal lost significant ground in the Premier League title race as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta made significant changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Sporting as he opted to bring in Kai Havertz up front along with Martin Ødegaard returning in the number 10 role.

Disaster almost struck for the Gunners within minutes when David Raya was almost caught on the ball by Erling Haaland. City then went close to taking the lead in a goal mouth scramble, but Gabriel made a heroic block onto the post and into his goalkeeper's hands.

Despite Arsenal growing into the game and actually looking the stronger side, City broke the deadlock after 15 minutes when Rayan Cherki skipped through the visitors' defence before placing an effort in the bottom corner.

Havertz pulled his side level moments after though when he pounced on a moment of madness by Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian shotstopper looked to clear a back pass, but his attempt to get rid was thwarted by the German as it deflected off him and into the net.

Following the equaliser, both sides enjoyed some spells of possession, but City enjoyed most of it as the half went on. However, they couldn't make the most of it as they went into the break level.

City started the second half very much the dominant side, but the Gunners had two great chances near the hour mark. Declan Rice intercepted a pass to start a move that saw Havertz played through on goal, but Donnarumma did well to deny him.

Eberechi Eze then went close when he received the ball on the edge before firing a curled effort toward the bottom corner, only to see his strike crash off the post.

The hosts then bit back as they retook the lead through Haaland. A ball was played in from the left side with a disguised dummy allowing the City number nine to meet it and fire past Raya.

Arsenal had one final chance when Havertz met a cross in the centre of the box, but despite being in a great position, he headed over. That proved to be that as the full time whistle soon went to confirm City moved within three points of the Gunners with a game in hand to play.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their defeat at City.

Man City 2-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Got away with one when he was almost closed down by Haaland. Couldn't really do anything about either goal.

Cristhian Mosquera (RB) - 5/10 - Struggled up against Doku and picked up a yellow card before the break. Withdrawn with just under 20 minutes to play.

William Saliba (CB) - 6.5/10 - Tasked with controlling Haaland and did quite well when battling with the striker. However, wasn't marking him for the winner.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 6.5/10 - Made a heroic block to turn a goal bound effort onto the post. Battled with Haaland once again and picked up a yellow card late on.

Piero Hincapié (LB) - 6.5/10 - Got down well to block a shot from Semenyo in the first half. Made some good runs forward, but was guilty of losing the ball at times.

Midfielders

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 7/10 - Tidy at the base throughout and won the ball on a few occasions. Steady performance brought to an end by a late roll of the dice.

Declan Rice (CM) - 6.5/10 - One of his quieter games, but still steady in midfield. Caused some problems with his set piece deliveries but nothing came of them.

Martin Ødegaard (AM) - 7/10 - Played Havertz through for a great chance before setting up Eze for another opportunity. Sent a good cross into the box for Gabriel to meet at the back post, but his effort struck the woodwork.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW) - 6.5/10 - Good with the ball at his feet, but his decision making was poor at times and he was taken off at the break.

Kai Havertz (ST) - 7/10 - Pulled his side level when he did brilliantly to pressure Donnarumma and deflect his attempted clearance into the net. Denied a second by the Italian when he was played through on goal. Headed over from a great position in stoppage time.

Eberechi Eze (LW) - 7/10 - Tracked back well to help out in defence, but didn't get too involved in attacking moments. Did strike the post with a good effort from the edge. Substituted with just over 15 minutes remaining.

Substitutes

• Gabriel Martinelli (on 46' for Madueke) - 6/10
• Leandro Trossard (on 74' for Eze) - 6/10
• Ben White (on 74' for Mosquera) - 6/10
• Viktor Gyökeres (on 84' for Zubimendi) - N/A

Arsenal player of the match: Eberechi Eze

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