Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Match Reaction as City Triumph

The big match has come and gone, and Arsenal fell flat, with Manchester City demonstrating why they are the current champions of England.

Manchester City and Arsenal faced off yesterday in what many viewed as a title-deciding match. While that may have some bits of truth tied to it, the weight of the match can truly only be viewed in retrospect, with games still to be played for both sides and points to be won.

Master vs. apprentice, Guardiola vs. Arteta, a team full of young bucks going up against a team who has been there and done that in the Premier League. This match was a thrill to watch, and something new for Premier League fans with respect to City’s challenger. Arsenal may have fallen short, but have demonstrated this season that they have taken a serious jump, having come leaps and bounds since finishing 8th last season and having not seen Champions League football since 2016.

While City struck another blow in Arsenal’s title hopes, I couldn’t help but note a few takeaways from today’s match:

1.) Some things can’t be taught

Manchester City have been in this position before. They have had to chase down other teams (or fend off competitors), to have an incredible run-in to snatch the title. Manchester City did not start off this season the way some would have imagined, apart from Haaland scoring goals for fun.

You can just see towards the business end of the season, City turn it up a notch, they simply coexist in the state of constant pressure to perform, and have so far yet again this season, thrived in it. Don’t get me wrong, there are still games to be played, and possible twists and turns to be had in this title race (which is by no means over), but City has been there and done that.

Arsenal on the other hand, just played one of their most important games in years and got blown away. This performance came off the back of 3 straight draws, the latest of which was to bottom-of-the-table Southampton.

The mentality Manchester City has when it comes to the tail-end of the Premier League season is something to behold and something that I don’t believe can be taught. The mental side of seasons like this, where you are neck and neck with another team, or teams, takes a toll, but Manchester City has learned to cope with that over the years, and just seems to have this mindset ingrained in them.

2.) De Bruyne haunts Arsenal

It is undeniable that Kevin De Bruyne has shown up and showed out when it matters most for Manchester City so far this season, especially against Arsenal. With a goal and an assist in their first meeting this season in the Premier League, and two goals and an assist in this latest game last night, he was simply sublime.

The pressing aggressiveness, and frenetic nature, may have changed for Manchester City, but when City wins the ball back, De Bruyne knows exactly where he is going with the ball, and is steps ahead of everybody else on that pitch. Scoring two goals from .56 xG is outstanding, and his ability to make the right decision with the ball when it counts is unmatched. He is one of one in the Premier League in midfield. His ability from outside the box ain’t half bad either.

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Arsenal fans know this well, Kevin De Bruyne loves a game against Arsenal. He makes the game look so easy, and seemingly without breaking a sweat. He has now scored more goals against the Gunners (8) than any other opponent.

The fact that he now has a proper target to aim for going forward, only makes him more dangerous in these big games.

3.) Arsenal needs a few more pieces 

For some, this piece of information was less of a new takeaway, but simply a harsh reminder from Manchester City that… they’re still a few players away from being able to compete with the unrivaled depth of the Citizens.

The fact that the title race is still on speaks volumes for Arsenal, in particular after watching that match.

Arsenal have been unbelievable all season. Their football has been breathtaking at times and has look a carbon copy of Pep’s early years with City when in possession, but they were always an injury or two away from disaster. That injury came in the form of William Saliba, who looks like he might be out for the remainder of the season.

In 5 games without their key defender, they have yet to keep a clean sheet and have been leaking goals left and right. When City are without Dias, they have Stones, Akanji, Laporte, and Ake who can step up and deputize. Having Rob Holding come in and try to do a job while Saliba is out hasn’t exactly been ideal for Arsenal and their fans.

This summer for Arsenal will be key for their future hopes of lifting silverware, especially with Champions League football back on the menu.

The question remains, how do you think the title race will play out, will it be Manchester City lifting a 3rd successive trophy, or will Arsenal reach the ascent of Premier League football once again?