Have the Gunners turned a corner?
WengerIf there is one criticism that is often leveled at Arsenal, it is that, they are too easy to beat at times. Their football, while pretty, is one-dimensional and they lack a Plan B. Especially in big games, whether in the League or in Europe, their tendency to go all-out attack has left them exposed at the back. So it was a pleasant surprise to see them play with a defensive discipline and dogged determination to beat City.
The fact that was their first win over City, Chelsea or Manchester United since a 5-3 win at Stamford Bridge in October 2011 gave the away fans something to cheer about on their way back home. Although they had just 35% of the possession, the Gunners controlled the game by defending resolutely. With Francis Coquelin and Cazorla in front of the back four, the defense finally had some protection and as a result, came through the game without breaking a sweat. Even though City had 16 corners, an area that is perceived to be a weakness for the Gunners, at no point did the hosts look like scoring and that is a testament to how well the visitors defended. If they can keep this up in the remaining tough away assignments, Arsenal will finally make the step from being perennial fourth-place finishers, to a team that can challenge for the title.