At the final whistle of yesterday’s crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal Manchester City was left frustrated. Arsenal had sat back determined not to drop points to the world champions. Although Mikel Arteta’s side left the Etihad Stadium with a point, it does, however, feel like Liverpool has now been handed the keys to this season’s title race.
Yesterday’s game did appear that it could be a pivotal moment in the title race. Manchester City and Arsenal both knew if they could pick up all three points, it could have proven critical in the title race. But the game failed to live up to the hype as Arsenal sat back and absorbed pressure from Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City couldn’t create any chances of note despite their sizable possession advantage. The Gunners attempted to hit the champions on the break while sitting deep for the majority of the contest.
In the end, both teams ended up cancelling each other out as the game ended nil-all. A game that promised so much ended up being a dire defensive struggle with barely any highlights. At the final whistle, Arsenal appeared delighted with the point. Mikel Arteta’s side deserves credit for their defensive performance. They restricted City to no significant chances and reduced Erling Haaland to the role of a spectator.
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For Pep Guardiola’s side, it was a frustrating 90 minutes. Arsenal did appear there for the taking if they could have found a way through the Gunners stubborn rearguard. There was enough talent on the pitch for City to unlock the game, and the introduction of Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku only added to City’s firepower. But it wasn’t to be as the world champions were forced to settle for a point.
It loomed as a pivotal game in Manchester City’s and Arsenal’s title charges yesterday at the Etihad. But both teams had to settle for a point in a result that appeared to benefit Jurgen Klopp’s side more than anyone else. Liverpool now appears to be in the driving seat of this season’s Premier League title race.
Manchester City are still in the title race, but they have to be almost perfect on the run home and rely on results elsewhere to overhaul Liverpool and Arsenal. But they will be frustrated they couldn’t take home all three points yesterday when they appeared there for the taking.
