By Samuel A. April 28, 2023
Manchester City could’ve ended Arsenal’s title hopes, after a devastating 4-1 victory Wednesday night against the North London side that have been imperious this season in the Premier League.
It was another Kevin de Bruyne masterclass, with the Man City veteran bagging a brace and a well cross to the path of John Stones, who headed it home. Erling Haaland sealed the vital victory as they cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to just two points, having two games in hand. Rob Holding did get one back for Arsenal in the 86th minute, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Despite making excellent progress under Arteta, Arsenal remain unable to cope with City having now lost their last 12 Premier League games against them. It is the Gunners’ longest losing streak against a single time and they have lost all seven of their visits to the Etihad while Guardiola has been in charge. In that time, the aggregate score has been 20-3 with Arsenal failing to score in eight of their last 12 meetings. Arteta, who was of course Guardiola’s assistant for many years, has failed to beat his mentor in seven attempts in the league.
It is no coincidence that since William Saliba got injured against Sporting Lisbon back in March, Arsenal have dropped six points in the league and failed to keep a single clean sheet. The Frenchman had been excellent for the Gunners alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and, while his absence is not the sole reason for Arsenal’s recent struggles, it is clear they are a little ineffective as a defensive unit without him. Replacement Holding is a more limited defender than Saliba and struggled against City’s attack for most of the game, while Gabriel has not looked the same without his regular partner.
Although Arsenal have been excellent for most of the season, City look to have peaked at the perfect time and it’s likely that their class and experience will ultimately prove to be the difference in this year’s title race. Guardiola’s side have not lost since February and have hit top gear at the exact time Arsenal have faltered, and the Cityzens are now eyeing a treble having moved into pole position to win the league.
It was not that long ago that Guardiola appeared open to letting Stones leave the club, but the 28-year-old has been crucial for City this season. Stones has been playing a more advanced role in City’s defence, being deployed as an inverted full back, and was once again excellent against Arsenal. He helped City nullify Arsenal until Holding’s late strike, while also popping up with a key goal and has thrived in his new role. “He’s been unique this season, he’s made that role into his own,” former City defender Joleon Lescott said last week on BT Sport. “You’ve seen other teams adopt a similar style, but the way he’s performing with the ball at his feet, his recognition of patterns, he’s picking up spaces, identifying where the next pass is. There are not many players with that capability and he’s obviously full of confidence.”
They are chasing a first ever Champions League win in their history, after knocking out Bayern, and will face defending champions Real Madrid, who gave them one of the biggest ever shocks in the UCL history last season – scoring two goals in the final moments of the game, and sealing their comeback in extra time. City is also set to take on local rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final on the 3rd of June.
It would be some feat if they lifted all three trophies, but it would take a brave soul to bet against Man City at the moment.
