Manchester City were thrashed by Arsenal on Sunday. And they were made aware of that by the fans as they walked off the field.
Manchester City show poor performance against Arsenal
Pep Guardiola and John Stones both called the City’s last 30 minutes on Sunday as ‘unacceptable’. The manager has very few times offered such honest disapproval after a bad game like that.
They were looking as they’re getting back on track again this year. After some steps forward and positive results, the 5-1 loss feels like they haven’t improved at all. Man City were seen making the same mistakes at the backline at the Emirates.
The Gunners were welcomed onto the field by the PA announcer calling this as one of the biggest games of the season. And their celebrations felt like it was one.
Of course, they’d celebrate their win over a side that has denied them so often. It seemed like it just wasn’t a regular 90 minutes game, it was three years of continues pain. But this time, the Cityzens were at the receiving end.
Arsenal used the Etihad’s devious tricks as their motivation. When they scored the opener, Gabriel Magalhaes celebrated in Erling Haaland’s face.
Manchester City no.9 had to flex his gold Premier League badge
Erling’s ‘stay humble’ comment had been with the north London club for months. Myles Lewis Skelly also teased Erling’s celebration after scoring. The fans at the Emirates also mocked him through out the game. At the end, he was booed off the field as well.
He then responded by tapping the gold Premier League badge in his jersey. His dad also made sure of reminding the opposition fans of their empty trophy cabinet. Although when he left the stadium to board the team bus, he was stopped by Arsenal hospitality guests for photos.
Despite his disappointing afternoon, a reminder that he’s still a big star as any Gunners’ player. He also scored his 25th goal of the season in all competitions.
Thierry Henry on Man City vs Arsenal game
On Sky Sports the former Arsenal striker shared his views on the Sunday’s match.
Henry gave a harsh, but honest take on Haaland’s performance in the fixture. The Norway international was the only goal scorer from City. He scored a brilliant headed equalizer leaping above William Saliba on the 55th minute.
The former Gunners’ star did share his opinion on Haaland. He wasn’t impressed with the City no.9 being comfortable with having so little of the ball.
Speaking on Sky Sports he said: “I wouldn’t have been able to cope (the lack of service), something would’ve happened. I would have gone to get it back, do something.
“It’s a skill, David Trezeguet had it that even though he didn’t touch the ball he could stay concentrated. He puts the ball in the net. But what can you do when your team can’t help you? Could you hold back? Can you run into the channels? Are you available when we are on the ball?
“I can understand sometimes that the number nine, who is good on the ball is not making any effort to defend.
“But you’re not moving so much when your team is on the ball or taking of the ball. It’s not enough, but he well score when he plays like that, and he did”
Jamie Carragher asked him if this ‘stops him’ ever being ‘the best player in the world’.
Henry stated: “Look you have guys in history known as goal scorers but you still need to be able to hold the ball.
“If people can challenge Kylian Mbappe for no holding the ball well at Real Madrid they can surely challenge Halaand.”
Author’s Opinion
The Sunday’s game between City and Arsenal was really a good game. Mikel Arteta’s side made sure they kept on tracking back the league leaders, Liverpool.
Whenever Guardiola’s side faces defeat, everyone is ready to point a finger at Haaland for his playing style. Some may agree with Thierry Henry’s stance. But his numbers speak other story.
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