“... after the goal we forgot to play”, Guardiola – 02/04/2017.
Goals: Walcott (40'), Mustafi (53');Sané (5'), Agüero (42')
Line Up (4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Caballero (6)
Navas (5.5)
Otamendi (6)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4.5)
Fernandinho (6)
Sterling (6), (Toure 45' (5.5))
De Bruyne (6.5)
Silva (6), (Zabaleta 89' (5.5))
Sané (7.5)
Agüero (7)
Referee; Andre Marriner (4)
Stats;Possession, 44%/56%; Shots, 8(3)/14(5); Corners, 3/8; Fouls, 8/15
The first game back after international breaks is always a difficult one to call. With Chelsea having unexpectedly dropped points at home the previous day, and Arsenal having suffered their Season wobble a little earlier this year, the City faithful were hoping for a statement performance. Something with which to bounce into Wednesday nights "six pointer" with Chelsea at the Bridge, which would bring some self doubt to the champions elect. Unfortunately the team gave a performance, which was a play in ninety minutes of what has been the best and worst of City this Season.
The first ten minutes were purposeful, strong, confident football; bringing a breathtaking goal from Leroy Sané. Put through by a world class pass from Kevin DeBruyne from the City half, the young German had the pace and strength to hold off Belerin (no slouch himself), and the calmness to slot past Ospina from an acute angle. Minutes later DeBruyne almost made it two with a rasping shot from inside the box rebounding off the foot of the right post.
But then, almost inexplicably, City retreated back on themselves, failing to capitalize on a great start, and giving Arsenal time on the ball, and therefore belief, as they clawed their way back into the game. A lack of urgency and tempo (a trait seen in the latter part of both Mancini's and Pellegrini's time in charge), has crept into Pep's team too often this season for it to be a great side, and today it again cost City. Just before half time, another weakness, lack of concentration in defence (from a usual suspect in Gael Clichy) saw Arsenal equalise. And despite City again showing great class in the build up and execution to immediately respond with a second goal, with Aguero finishing expertly in the bottom left having been slotted through by Silva; going into half time even at 2-1 to the good had few convinced that City would put the game to bed.
The first ten minutes were purposeful, strong, confident football; bringing a breathtaking goal from Leroy Sané. Put through by a world class pass from Kevin DeBruyne from the City half, the young German had the pace and strength to hold off Belerin (no slouch himself), and the calmness to slot past Ospina from an acute angle. Minutes later DeBruyne almost made it two with a rasping shot from inside the box rebounding off the foot of the right post.
But then, almost inexplicably, City retreated back on themselves, failing to capitalize on a great start, and giving Arsenal time on the ball, and therefore belief, as they clawed their way back into the game. A lack of urgency and tempo (a trait seen in the latter part of both Mancini's and Pellegrini's time in charge), has crept into Pep's team too often this season for it to be a great side, and today it again cost City. Just before half time, another weakness, lack of concentration in defence (from a usual suspect in Gael Clichy) saw Arsenal equalise. And despite City again showing great class in the build up and execution to immediately respond with a second goal, with Aguero finishing expertly in the bottom left having been slotted through by Silva; going into half time even at 2-1 to the good had few convinced that City would put the game to bed.
At half time, Sterling was withdrawn rather than make-shift right-back Navas; presumably with a knock, as Navas had given zero confidence that he was nullifying the constant threat of Sanchez down the City right. The introduction of Toure did however give Fernandinho greater chance to protect Navas. But before that change in formation had time to bed in, Arsenal had equalised again. A further failing had slowly crept into City's play, a bizarre lack of short passing ability from the back, with more passes than not going to an Arsenal player. This built Arsenals possession and forced a number of set pieces, finally resulting in a corner for Arsenal from which Mustafi rose above Otemendi to score, 2-2.
After that both teams seemed to lack conviction, with City arguably having the better of the rest of the game, it was still without tempo or urgency.
No City game is complete without a refereeing howler, and Andre Marinner dutifully stepped up in the 91st minute to add to the two points he had cost City against Spurs in February by not giving a blatant push on Sterling as a penalty. This time it was a control with the hand by Monreal, not given, so costing a further two points. It was not an easy decision, but one you want a referee at this level to be able to make.
So a lost opportunity, and City move forward to Wednesday without the momentum which had been starting to build over the previous weeks. #CTID.
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
Flat ...
