Bad on the day, or is there a mental block we’ll never overcome?

Arsenal had a very good week leading up to this momentous fixture. Max Dowman etched his name into the history books, ensuring that Arsenal crept nine points ahead of Manchester City. They were then able to edge past Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. The bonus was watching teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle get hammered. So, a trophy at the end of a positive week would’ve been the cherry on top. City would do their best to ensure that didn’t happen.

First Half

Whenever these two sides meet, especially in the last few seasons, it’s a cagey affair. Aside from the 5-1 demolition at the Emirates, there’s normally not much in it. That’s exactly how the first few minutes began. Both teams trying to wrestle possession. The first chance actually fell Arsenal’s way and it was a big one. Martin Zubimendi received the ball near the edge of the City box and threaded a pass through to Kai Havertz. The German was left one-on-one with James Trafford, but couldn’t slot the ball underneath the onrushing keeper. Two rebounds fell to Bukayo Saka, but he couldn’t provide the finish and the ball was eventually cleared. That was to be the best of it for the first half. Leandro Trossard had an effort blocked in the 13th minute, that would’ve troubled Trafford. It would take until just on the stroke of half time for City to grab their first chance. Antoine Semenyo delivered a cross into the box, but Erling Haaland was always leaning back and couldn’t direct his header down. That was it for the first half.

Second Half

The second half began in the same manner as the first, but Pep Guardiola’s men slowly began to suffocate the Arsenal side. The pressure was continuous and the Gunners could only hoof the ball clear. Haaland did get a sighter a few minutes after the restart, but he could only scuff half a chance against Gabriel which was then collected by Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Manchester side continued with the pressure and it eventually paid off. It wasn’t necessarily through excellent play, but making the most of a mistake. A cross was lofted into the box, but was far too close to Kepa. As the Spaniard attempted to claim the ball, it slipped through his gloves and Nico O’Reilly battled hardest to beat Ben White to the ball. It was a simple header in the end. Mikel Arteta had his subs his ready, but just a few minutes later, City had their second. Almost a carbon copy of the first goal, without the Kepa mistake. A cross from the right flank, headed home by O’Reilly. Arteta’s men finally started to play some football and create chances. Riccardo Calafiori was at the heart of most of it. He initially saw a weak header saved by Trafford, then struck a half-volley that clipped the outside of the post. The only other chance the Gunners could muster was Gabriel Jesus looping a header on to the bar. But, that was it. The game was done and we lost 2-0.

Statistics

Despite the 2-0 win for City, it was quite even. Arsenal had 10 shots with 4 on target. This created 0.63 xg, they also created 3 big chances. City had 10 shots with just 2 on target. This created them 1.51 xG and 3 big chances created on top of that.

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Kepa – 1 – There should be no surprise with this one. City had two shots on target and two goals scored from it, one only happened because he fumbled an easy cross. He also had no idea what to do with the ball at his feet.

White – 5 – Just an average performance. He had a lot of help dealing with Jeremy Doku, but also made some key tackles on his own. He faded in the second half.

Saliba – 8 (MOTM) – Head and shoulders above everyone else in the team. He shackled Haaland and repelled everything that he could get to. Let down by his colleagues.

Gabriel – 5 – Made some good blocks and some decent challenges, but he looks lost playing out from the back.

Hincapie – 2 – He seriously struggled against Semenyo. He was booked early on and had to keep an eye on his tackles, which Semenyo took advantage of. If the City attacker provided cleaner crosses then it would’ve been over in the first half.

Zubimendi – 4 – He deserved the assist for Havertz’s chance. If that chance was scored then it would’ve been an entirely different game. However, he was part of the problem as to why we couldn’t advance the ball up the pitch.

Rice – 5 – I think he’s tired and it’s showing more often. He exerted a lot of energy against Leverkusen, but very little here. I think that was more to do with the way that City pressed us. He couldn’t find the time or space to do anything.

Havertz – 3 – Missed the golden opportunity and it’s not the first time we’ve said that during his Arsenal career. Outside of that, he was not the outlet the team needed. He was constantly beaten in the air, despite his tall frame.

Saka – 3 – I’m with the opinion that he should’ve done better with those rebounds. Both times he hit them low and straight at Trafford. After that, he struggled to get into the game. Constantly fouled or looking for fouls. We know he’s strong, he just needs to stop looking for fouls all the time.

Gyokeres – 4 – In the opening 20 minutes I was quietly confident that he’d terrorise the City defence. After that point, the reality was that he was locked up and they threw away the key.

Trossard – 3 – He had to take up positions all the over pitch to try and receive the ball. Often vacating the left wing role which meant that Hincapie didn’t have anyone ahead of him. I can see what the Belgian was trying to do, but it didn’t work out at all. He was a step behind all game.

Substitutes

Calafiori – 7 – Undoubtedly the second best player on the pitch. His cameo after they went 2-0 up can’t be forgotten. He was essentially our attacking force and was unlucky not to score in the end.

Madueke – 3 – All for his desire, but the execution was so disappointing this time around.

Martinelli – 2 – Came on too late to really make an impact, but he still looked lost. He showed nothing.

Jesus – 3 – He was presented with a chance late on, but could only hit the bar. Disappointing outside of that.

Summary

It was the opportunity to win a trophy and we don’t have the privilege of sneering at any. It’s true we have bigger competitions to worry about, but we haven’t won a trophy for over half a decade now. City win something almost every season, and yet they showed more than we did. If the team turned up and every player dropped at least a 7/10 performance, if we lost after that then fair enough. But, the performance is what’s getting me. That middle block from the 20th to about the 70th minute, was genuinely dreadful. We’re never going to win a trophy playing like that. Too many players hiding, not enough bravery. Admittedly I was more annoyed after dropping points to Wolves and Brentford, but it’s the performance again. Out of Everton, Leverkusen and Manchester City, I’d have rather lost this one. But, you have to make 100% sure that you go on and don’t slip up now. I can handle losing a final, but if we screw this league up and let City in ahead then I don’t even know where the club goes after that. Win the league and this day will be forgotten about. I won’t post a predicted lineup for Southampton, in the FA Cup, because so many players have pulled out with injuries for the international break. It’s hard to work out who’s genuine and who isn’t, though I’m leaning towards the latter.