"But in these important games you cannot make those mistakes.”
, Manuel Pellegrini – 21/12/2015.
I think most everyone called this. City to lose either by a bizarre Andre Mariner decision, or a defensive faux pas. It was the latter which got us. Mangala providing the unforced error on 46', allowing Walcott to play in to an unmarked Ozil, who set Giroud through to finish between Joe Hart's legs. 2 vs. 0 at half time and City had played into Arsenal's hands once more. Arsenal inviting City's attacks, and hoping to set up on the counter. Unluckily for City both the times Arsenal did create a chance in the first half they scored.
Up to the first goal City had appeared in charge of their own destiny, having the majority of possession, and forcing several attempts on Peter Cech's goal. On 30' De Bruyne came the closest to breaking the deadlock for City, Aguero managing a deft flick to the Belgian on the right, just inside the Arsenal half, De Bruyne bore down on goal and perhaps should have squared to Silva, but instead he shot just wide of the left hand post.
Seconds later Arsenal were in front, with what was Arsenal's first attempt on goal, Ozil played in Walcott and the Arsenal winger lashed the ball into the top right of City's goal. The goal seemed to sap City's confidence, and the final 15 minutes of the first half belonged to Arsenal without troubling Joe Hart until Mangala's mistake.
Pellegrini changed it around at half time, bringing on Sterling for Delph and reverting to a more straight forward 4-2-3-1. The game was slightly more open, and City played some deft touches to keep the pressure with the ball, but what at the start of the season was cutting and incisive was now ponderous. Bony replace Aguero on 60' and the more direct approach started show some dividents. However, the lack of willingness to try and take a chance was perfectly summed up by substitute Navas, when finally released 1 on 1 with Cech he chose to try a near impossible dink cross, rather than attempt a shot of his own.
Toure's goal on 82' was world class, Sagna playing the ball short from the right and the City Captain passing the ball first time high to the left, impossible for a stranded Peter Cech to get to. It was enough to provide a nervy finish to the game for Arsenal, but they egged out every second they could to claim the 3 points and go 4 points above City going into Christmas.
So now the games come thick and fast. Boxing day sees Sunderland as the visitors and City need to be resolute to remain in the title race. The test will be whether the City players can apply the same application going forward as they have in their Champions League games across Christmas and deep into the New Year. If they cannot, then you feel the longer Kompany remains an injury enigma, the wider the gap to the top may grow.
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
Etihad Stadium Manchester
