Manchester City fell to a disappointing 1-nil defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates. The champions were beaten by an 86th-minute deflected strike from Gabriel Martinelli. It is the second consecutive defeat in the Premier League for the treble winners. City had a down day as their players couldn’t get into the game. The defeat will provide Pep Guardiola with food for thought over the international break.
FULL-TIME | Defeat in London.
🔴 1-0 🩵 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/kWhQfSYx6G
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 8, 2023
Arsenal won a tense affair through a deflected Gabriel Martinelli strike in the 86th minute. The game was one of few chances from both sides. City and Arsenal both showed the other side plenty of respect through the fear of their opponent on the counter.
As the game developed the loss of Rodri was massive for the treble winners. He was serving the third game of his three-game suspension, and by the end of the game, it would be City’s third loss without the midfielder. City’s midfield general has cost his side with his moment of madness. The loss of Rodri was a standout as Declan Rice put in a man-of-the-match display for the Gunners.
For the treble winners there was a lack of creativity and drive from midfield. No Rodri or De Bruyne was a factor, but it is something for Guardiola to contemplate going forward. The lack of service for Erling Haaland is another issue for the European champions to solve.
All in all, it was a disappointing day as Arsenal ended City’s stranglehold over Mikel Arteta’s men. City’s second consecutive loss will leave Pep Guardiola with plenty to ponder. City’s midfield created little for Erling Haaland and struggled to influence the game.
