Arsenal faced off against their domestic rivals Manchester City in Gothenburg on Sunday evening in a friendly fixture, as the two sides looked to keep the positive momentum going prior to the start of the new campaign. It was a highly anticipated game with Arsene Wenger facing off against Pep Guardiola and both sides wanted to win the game, as they looked to make an early impression.
Though the Gunners began the game in a rather aggressive mode, they failed to finish off some good chances with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain failing to hit the target on a couple of occasions, when he really should have scored. Francis Coquelin was guilty of wasting a clear opportunity to score as well. It was eventually the Manchester based side that took the lead in the 30th minute through a Sergio Aguero tap in, from a superb Raheem Sterling cross. There were no further goals in the first half, as City went into the break with a narrow lead.
However, the north London outfit were quick to recover after the restart and equalized from a well placed Alex Iwobi finish in the 50th minute. Theo Walcott chipped one over Joe Hart after making a brilliant run in the 73rd minute to make it 2-1. Chuba Akpom, who just can’t stop scoring, added a third for Wenger’s side in the 86th minute, with Kelechi Iheanacho making it 3-2, a couple of minutes later. The game eventually ended with a win for the Londoners, as Guardiola suffered his first loss to Wenger.
Player Ratings:
Petr Cech: 3/5
Tried his best to keep City out, though he failed to prevent the two goals that went in, as he could do nothing about them. Apart from that looked confident and dealt with any other efforts that were made at goal with ease.
Hector Bellerin: 3/5
Always looks a threat while pushing forward and is improving defensively as well with every game that he plays.
Gabriel Paulista: 2.5/5
Did not look too comfortable without Koscielny by his side and could not deal totally with the Aguero threat. Was carried off the pitch on a stretcher towards the end of the match.
Rob Holding: 3/5
Looked good in the first half of the match and repaid his manager’s trust.
Nacho Monreal: 3/5
Dealt with the threat of the opposition attack well, though should have done much better about the Sterling ball that led to the opening goal of the game.
Francis Coquelin: 3/5
Once again put in a solid shift, though needs to improve his finishing and tackling at times.
Granit Xhaka: 3/5
Looked good while passing in the match, though still needs to improve prior to the start of the season.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain: 2.5/5
His pace was always a threat to the opposition defence, though his finishing was quite poor throughout.
Aaron Ramsey: 3/5
Played in a more central role, rather than on the wings and looked to add more quality and pace to the attack at all times.
Alex Iwobi: 3.5/5
Finished off a good goal, as he placed the ball into the back of the net and was always a threat to the opposition back-line.
Alexis Sanchez: 3.5/5
Showcased his skills in the match, as he was a delight with the ball at his feet. His free-kick hit the crossbar, though he did set up Walcott’s goal.
Substitutes:
Theo Walcott: 4/5
A perfect game for the out of form striker, as he set up a goal for Iwobi and scored another from a wonderful chip. Also played a key role in the third goal. Finally looked his old, confident self.
Calum Chambers: 3/5
Looked good at the back after coming on in the second half for Holding.
Mohamed Elneny: 3.5/5
Looked solid in the heart of the Arsenal midfield, as he came on to replace Xhaka.
Santi Cazorla: 3/5
Came on for Ramsey in the second half and looked calm and composed in the role that he was given.
Joel Campbell: 2.5/5
Played for 20 minutes of the match and did not showcase anything special.
Mathieu Debuchy: 3/5
Came on late for Bellerin and got a decent run.
Kieran Gibbs: 3/5
Helped his side maintain the lead and win the game with his defensive contribution.
Chuba Akpom: 3.5/5
Just can’t stop scoring. Brought on to replace Sanchez for the last 10 minutes of the game and scored the third goal for his side.