Arsenal battled Manchester City to a cagey 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium. This draw, coupled with Liverpool’s win against Brighton, puts Arsenal second in the league. The Gunners are two points behind Liverpool but a point ahead of Manchester City. Let’s dive deeper into this match.
Arsenal 2024 Match 38: The Defense Shut Down Haaland and City’s Attack
As one might expect from the score line, the defense was Arsenal’s most impressive unit in this game. David Raya had a few strange miskicks, but played well overall and made a save. Raya only had to deal with a single shot on target. Regardless, he did his part in helping Arsenal secure a draw against Manchester City.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were excellent overall, aside from a few shaky moments from Saliba in the first half. The two of them dealt with Erling Haaland quite effectively once again. Haaland’s frustration was clear to see after the match when he exchanged heated words with some Arsenal players. Shutting down a striker of Haaland’s caliber is mightily impressive, especially given that Saliba and Gabriel have done it three times this season if one counts the Community Shield. Performances like that are why many Arsenal fans have bought Saliba jerseys.
Ben White played incredibly well. Defensively, he shut down Phil Foden and ensured that Foden had little to no impact on the game when attacking Arsenal’s right-hand side. White also contributed to Arsenal’s attack on several occasions, overlapping well with Saka. It is encouraging to see White play so well in such an important match as the title race continues into the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Kiwior Could Have Been Better and Tomiyasu Played Well
Kiwior was a little more shaky defensively, especially in the first half. The pressure of the occasion seemed to get to him a little bit, but he was better in the second half. Kiwior is a young player with plenty of potential and he has played well since Zinchenko’s injury, so it’s best not to criticize him too harshly.
Takehiro Tomiyasu replaced Kiwior in the second half and played well. Tomiyasu ensured Jeremy Doku had a minimal impact on the game. Tomiyasu being fit is great news for Arsenal and provides the Gunners with much-needed defensive depth. Hopefully, Tomiyasu can stay fit and continue to contribute as the season winds down.
Arsenal’s Midfield Prevented City from Creating Many Chances Despite Losing the Possession Battle
Manchester City dominated possession in this game with 72% possession compared to just 27% possession for Arsenal. However, City failed to create many good chances, thanks to Arsenal’s staunch defending. Declan Rice was excellent defensively yet again. Rice set the tone for Arsenal’s dogged defense in this game.
Martin Odegaard also worked hard defensively to prevent a City breakthrough. Additionally, Odegaard had some nice touches and created an opportunity for Trossard, as well. Arsenal’s limited possession and Rodri’s influence prevented Odegaard from affecting the game more. Still, it is clear that Odegaard always works hard and does his best to make an impact on the game.
Jorginho had some nice passes, but the pace of the game was a bit too much for him. However, Jorginho did his best and didn’t make any errors. Thomas Partey replaced Jorginho in the second half and helped Arsenal see out the game. Partey being fit is crucial for games like this where Arsenal need more mobility and pace in their midfield.
Arsenal 2024 Match 38: Arsenal’s Attack Wasted Their Few Good Chances
The Gunners’ attack deserves some criticism in this game. Arsenal didn’t have many good chances, but failed to capitalize on the chances that they did have. The Gunners only got two shots on goal in the entire match. It is a bit frustrating that the attack missed their chances, especially in such a crucial game.
City did a very good job dealing with Bukayo Saka on the right. Saka wasn’t able to threaten City’s defense all that much. On the opposite flank, Gabriel Jesus missed a few decent chances, as well. Jesus also took too long to get a shot away in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli injected some life into Arsenal’s attack after coming on. Martinelli broke through City’s defense late in the game, but Trossard didn’t get him the ball in time.
Leandro Trossard didn’t have a great game, either. He did get a shot on target, but it didn’t trouble City’s keeper too much. Trossard also didn’t pass the ball to Martinelli in time late in the second half. Leandro Trossard is quite a good player and has scored some crucial goals for Arsenal, but this was a forgettable performance.
Kai Havertz worked hard but couldn’t do much with the few chances that he had. The German has been in good form lately, but City neutralized him pretty well. Havertz is likely to play better in future matches against less capable defenses.
8/10 Manager Rating for Arteta
Arteta receives an 8/10 manager rating in this game. Arsenal defended quite well, the substitutions made an impact, and the Gunners managed to create a few good chances. Starting Partey instead of Jorginho likely would have been better, but starting Jorginho was probably due to fitness concerns about Thomas Partey. This is the best Arsenal have performed at the Etihad in quite some time.
Arsenal Host Luton Town Next
Arsenal will return to the Emirates Stadium for their next Premier League game as they host Luton Town. The Gunners beat Luton Town 4-3 in a wild match earlier this season. It is likely that Arsenal will beat Luton Town once again, probably without conceding three goals this time.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.