Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium was the result of an incredible effort.
The match’s highlights and player ratings are as follows:
Odegaard, Partey, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz, and Nwaneri all scored goals in Arsenal’s resounding victory over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. After their poor performance, City is under more pressure after this loss.
Martin Odegaard capitalised on a defensive blunder just 104 seconds into the game to give the Gunners an early lead.
Before halfway, Kai Havertz had a good chance to expand the lead, but Arsenal’s first-half inaccuracy was quickly forgotten.
Erling Haaland gave City an equaliser in the second half, but Arsenal swiftly took back the lead.
The home team won handily thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri, Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Thomas Partey.
Chaos and anxiety characterised the previous meeting in September, and this match immediately reflected that intensity.
Arsenal took the lead early thanks to a mistake by Manuel Akanji, and Odegaard scored following a deft cutback by Havertz.
City found it difficult to keep up, and even when Josko Gvardiol gave them an opportunity to tie the score, David Raya’s outstanding save kept Arsenal ahead.
A crucial mistake gave Arsenal a great chance to extend their advantage as City seemed to be settling into a rhythm.
Declan Rice took the ball away from Mateo Kovacic close to his own penalty area, but the struggling Havertz, who had plenty of time and room to aim, mysteriously missed the mark from 12 yards out with the goal at his mercy.
After Savinho’s deflected shot at the near post, Raya was called into action once more as City ended the first half in a commanding lead.
The defending champs controlled the game’s tempo to start the second half.
But Arsenal wasn’t done punishing the side that had won the previous two Premier League championships. Havertz made up for his earlier miss in the 76th minute with a crisp finish on a quick counterattack.
Nwaneri then added a similarly spectacular goal in stoppage time to complete the scoring.
With this win, Arsenal moves back within six points of league leaders Liverpool, delivering a strong message to the Reds. Meanwhile, City is still in fourth position, nine points behind the Gunners in second place.
David Raya: 8.0
kept Arsenal close until the second half by making two vital saves.
8.0 for Jurrien Timber
gave a fantastic performance, defending well and timing his forward runs with skill.
Saliba, William 8.0
Despite feeling responsible for Haaland’s goal, they had a great game overall.
8.5 for Gabriel Magalhães
thoroughly loved the game and once again managed to contain Haaland.
8.5 for Myles Lewis-Skelly
A very good player! He played great defence, scored with a well-timed run, and celebrated like Haaland.
8.0 for Martin Odegaard
had a strong effort overall and opened the score for Arsenal.
9.0 for Thomas Partey
He was in outstanding form, making it difficult for City’s playmakers and finishing with a spectacular goal.
Declan Rice: 8.5
As usual, they covered a lot of territory and played relentless midfield.
8.0 for Gabriel Martinelli
showed unrelenting vigour and nearly scored in a remarkable display.
Kai Havertz: 7.5
scored one of the goals after bouncing back after a dismal first-half opportunity.
Trossard, Leandro – 7.5
kept up a steady threat on Arsenal’s left wing and provided Lewis-Skelly with a lot of help.
Alternatives:
8.0 for Ethan Nwaneri
He was only on the pitch for a short while, yet he managed to score.
N/A for Mikel Merino
N/A Riccardo Calafiori
Raheem Sterling: Not available.