Full Time: Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal
Spanish mastermind Pep Guardiola is now in charge of his best ever spell as a manager in a top-flight league in Europe, as Manchester City sent Arsenal packing at the Etihad, to take all three points and open up an 8-point gap at the top of the league table.
Kevin de Bruyne opened the scoring for the hosts, an advantage which was doubled by Sergio Aguero from the spot. Alexandre Lacazette pulled one back for Arsenal at the hour mark but Gabriel Jesus managed to slot in from close range, helping Manchester City to a 3-1 victory this weekend.
Here’s how the City players fared against Arsenal.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Ederson (7)
Growing in stature with each passing game, Ederson was quick off his mark and held everything thrown in the air. Made a stunning stop to deny Ramsey but could have done better to stop Lacazette from scoring from a tight angle.
Kyle Walker (7)
Showed his pace and ability to take his team forward in attack as he was hardly ever tested at the back by Arsenal.
John Stones (6)
Caught out of position a couple of times but dealt well with the threat of the likes of Sanchez and Lacazette all game.
Nicolas Otamendi (7)
Hardly put a foot wrong as he managed to command his box. He gave the Gunners no space to work with in the final third.
Fabian Delph (6)
Had a lot of running to do on the flank and did it well as he managed to keep up the pressure to add width on the left flank consistently.
Fernandinho (6)
The clog in the middle of the park for Guardiola, Fernandinho did nothing fancy, kept the ball rolling, and helped his side to yet another victory.
David Silva (8)
Arguably the best playmaker in the league at the moment, Silva was everywhere in the middle of the park for City as he ran the game and never allowed Arsenal to settle down at the back.
Kevin de Bruyne (9)
Created chances galore and could have created more. Picked up a goal and an assist. Was untouchable all game as he ran rings around the Arsenal defence on his way to being named the ‘Player of the Match’.
Raheem Sterling (7)
His pace and direct approach were a constant problem for the Gunners but the winger needs to improve his finishing, which should have put City away from Arsenal’s reach even before half-time. Won the penalty for Aguero’s goal.
Leroy Sane (6)
Though he failed to find the back of the net, Sane was a real menace to Arsenal at the back where his change of pace and quick dribbling were too hot to handle for the visiting backline.
Sergio Aguero (6)
Did not do much in normal play but was composed from the spot to score the goal that doubled City’s lead and helped them to three more points.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Jesus (7)
Came on for Aguero and made an instant impact, creating chance after chance before finding himself six yards away from a gaping goal.
Ilkay Gundogan (6)
Came on with 15 minutes to play and did well to frustrate the visitors late in the game.
Bernardo Silva: N/A
Replaced Leroy Sane in the closing stages.