Manchester City came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in the Premier League. Theo Walcott gave the Gunners an early lead, but City piled on the pressure on the visitors with Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne threatening. However, they went into the break with the score 0-1, but soon after the restart, Leroy Sane levelled things for the Citizens. And then Sterling hit home from a De Bruyne pass with 19 minutes left on the clock to give Pep Guardiola’s men the lead. Arsenal stepped up their attacking intent in the final stages as they went in search
And then Sterling hit home from a De Bruyne pass with 19 minutes left on the clock to give Pep Guardiola’s men the lead. Arsenal stepped up their attacking intent in the final stages, as they went in search for an equalizer, but it was not to be for Arsene Wenger and his men on the evening.
With the win, City jumped into the second place in the Premier League standings above Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Arsenal dropped to the fourth place and are just a single point above fifth-placed North London rivals Tottenham.
In what was a very crucial game in regards to the top four race, and let’s take a look at how each City player fared:
Claudio Bravo – 6
Nervy at times, but did look more solid than usual. However, wasn’t tested very much by the Gunners. Couldn’t do much for Theo Walcott’s opener.
Pablo Zabaleta – 5
Offered energy on the right-side of defence, but was troubled by the pace of Iwobi and the other Arsenal attackers. Lacked the quality in the attacking half. Was replaced at half-time by Bacary Sagna.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6
Let Theo Walcott get behind easily for the opener. But improved as the game wore on and looked strong in the second half as he thwarted the Arsenal attackers.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 7
City’s best defender on the evening. Started a little shaky in the first half but won everything after the restart and his pace also bailed out City at times.
Gael Clichy – 6
Was exposed and caught out of positions by the Arsenal forwards in the first-half. But like the rest of the City team, he grew with the game and was much more comfortable in the second period with his team on the front foot.
Fernando – 7
Moved the ball well, went into tackles and won them. Was very crucial for City as he helped them control the midfield. A display full of energy by the Brazilian.
Leroy Sane – 7
Showed glimpses of why he is so highly regarded in the footballing community. Made some darting runs throughout the game and scored his first goal for the Citizens which couldn’t have come at a better time. This might have given him a good boost of confidence.
Yaya Toure – 6
Helped City keep the ball well and control the game in the middle of the park. Was booked early in the second period for dissent. Got forward well on occasions as well.
David Silva – 8
Brilliant second half display by the Spaniard. Was booked in the first period for a cynical challenge on Coquelin, but turned the match around after the break with a glorious chipped ball for Sane to score from. Was involved in everything good City created.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Missed a very easy chance in the first half but did not lose confidence and kept coming at the Arsenal defence and his persistence finally paid off as he sealed the game for Guardiola’s side with a fine strike.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Stamped his quality on the match with an excellent display in the final third of the pitch. His crosses were always a threat and it was his sublime cross-field pass that Sterling scored the winner from.
Substitutes
Bacary Sagna – 6
Provided more solidity than Zabaleta after replacing the Argentine at half-time.
Jesus Navas – 6
Worked very hard for his team after coming on for Leroy Sane late in the second half.
Kelechi Iheanacho – NA
Replaced De Bruyne with 5 minutes to play.