While the 33rd day of the Premier League was being played this Sunday, this Manchester City-Arsenal already looked like a final for the title. With six points behind but a game in hand (against Crystal Palace), the Citizens had the opportunity to fully get back into the race by winning at home, after the Gunners’ recent defeat against Bournemouth. For their part, the Londoners could remove all doubts by seeking a victory which would bring them closer to a title awaited since 2004.
A Cherki festival and a Donnarumma dumpling
For the occasion, Pep Guardiola lined up Khusanov, Silva, Semenyo, Doku, Haaland and Cherki, the latter offering himself the first thrill of the match by finding Raya’s post (5th). Well into the match, the Cityzens imposed their rhythm and, in another dangerous action, Nunes served Cherki, author of a sublime number in the area to open the score (1-0, 16th). A magnificent goal that the Etihad Stadium will not have enjoyed for long. Moments later, Arsenal equalized after a huge error from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Yet without pressure in his area, the Italian goalkeeper was slow to clear and saw Kai Havertz block his attempt, the ball ending up in the back of the net (1-1, 18th). Everything had to be done again, but the Mancuniens were gradually losing the thread, incapable of being dangerous in the Raya area, like Semenyo in difficulty. The second half was more open, with two big chances for City: a shot from Haaland on the post (49th), then an attempt from Doku well repelled by Raya (54th).
Arsenal are still leaders
These opportunities gave hope to the Gunners, finally dangerous at the hour mark. Arsenal raised the tone and forced Donnarumma to make up for it with a double save against Martinelli and Havertz (60th), before a shot from Eze found the post (62nd). The Italian goalkeeper thus redeemed himself from his initial error and even launched an action concluded by Haaland, who gave his team the advantage (2-1, 65th). But Arsenal did not give up, and Donnarumma was again saved by his post on a header from Gabriel (73rd).
Very committed, the Gunners defender came close to being sent off after a header on Haaland, which somewhat disrupted the end of the match. Unable to equalize despite a final header from Havertz just above Donnarumma’s crossbar (90th + 6), Mikel Arteta’s men therefore bowed and saw Manchester City return to three points, with a match in hand against the Eagles. Arsenal still remain Premier League leaders before hosting Newcastle, but the slightest misstep could prove decisive in the last five days.
Pub. the
– UPDATE
