ARSENAL WALK AWAY WITH 3 POINTS AGAINST MAN CITY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2015

Finally, Arsenal defeats Manchester City.

The match between Manchester City and Arsenal took place at The Emirates on Sunday. What appeared to be one of the most important games of the year turned out to be just that. First time since 2015 that Arsenal has defeated City with a clean sheet in the Premier League. A significant victory for Arsenal as well as a victory for Arteta.

Numerous reports suggested that Bukayo Saka would play before the game, therefore Arsenal supporters were devastated to learn that he wouldn’t be starting. It would be extremely difficult for Arsenal to attack without Saka on the right side of the field this season, but given all of his recent injury woes, it was probably for the best that he was able to recuperate. I can only imagine that when Arteta admitted after the game that he hadn’t trained all week, he was merely attempting to trick Pep into thinking Saka would play.

Everyone in The Emirates understood how important this game was, and you could cut the tension like a knife. Arsenal came out in the first half looking anxious, and you could sense the anxiety in the crowd. After a tentative first 20 minutes, Arsenal picked up the pace, looked much more assured, and spent more time in possession of the ball. You must anticipate the intense pressing and continual energy when playing a team like City, and I believe we were able to handle it.

I’m not sure what Arteta said in the locker rooms, but it seemed to have worked because when Arsenal came out for the second half, they looked dangerous. In the first half, Trossard felt something pull in his hamstring, and Arteta turned to see Martinelli sitting on the bench. Martinelli was injured against Everton and has since been ruled out, but wow did he impress. Martinelli appeared to be the one who would crack open City’s defense by providing necessary energy down the wing.

The ball was kicked up front by Thomas Partey in the 86th minute. Tomiyasu received it on his head and knocked it onto Kai Havertz, who quickly looked up and found Martinelli’s feet. Martinelli then fired a shot from outside the box that hit Ake in the face and deflected into the Manchester City goal. Martinelli was given credit for the goal, despite the fact that it was going in anyhow.

A significant boost for the remainder of the season and a valiant victory for The Arsenal. It was always crucial for us to defeat City if we wanted to return to the title race.

What’s your thoughts Gooners?