The blockbuster match on Sunday between Manchester City and Arsenal was one for the ages. Pep Guardiola versus his pupil Mikel Arteta, Gabriel and Saliba versus Haaland, Rodri versus Rice – battles all across the pitch resulting in high tempers and plenty of controversy. Neither side had their midfield maestros as Kevin De Bruyne’s groin injury and Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury sidelined both of them. City’s lineup was standard for them as of late, however Arsenal was effectively forced into a 4-4-2 with a false 9 due to Odegaard’s absence.
1st Half:
From the whistle, Kai Havertz clattered into Rodri seconds after kickoff, but no card was given by Michael Oliver. This clash would set the tone of the game as fouls were constant from here on. Within ten minutes, Savio on the right wing slipped by Calafiori to release Haaland with a clinical through ball that the Norwegian slotted home for his 100th goal at City. However once Rodri went down due to an ACL injury, the momentum shifted entirelyfor Arsenal. Following a quick free kick, Martinelli on the left wing charged towards Kyle Walker before laying off Riccardo Calafiori who curled the ball into the top right corner of the goal past Ederson. At the start of added time, a Bukayo Saka corner kick found the head of Gabriel in the box making it 2-1 Arsenal. Minutes later right before half-time, Arsenal’s Trossard would punt the ball away delaying the game, resulting in a red card, putting the Gunners a man down for the second half.
2nd Half:
10-man Arsenal were penned into their own box for the entire second half, as City’s suffocating possession tried to break down the Gunner’s backline. David Raya recorded nine saves whilst Gabriel and Saliba combined for four tackles won, 13 clearances, and four blocks to keep City from scoring, until the 90+8th minute when John Stones knocked in a close range chance following a corner. The Emptihad erupted, celebrating tying the score to 2-2 as Haaland threw the ball into the back of Gabriel’s head. Following the whistle, Arteta and Pep shared a handshake, but numerous arguments and shoving between the players ensued. Tensions were high as Haaland in particular was heavily involved in these altercations as the Norweigan taunted the Arsenal players. The post-game interviews were very heated as both sides shared their views on referee errors and criticisms of each other.
Post Game Overview:
Plenty of controversy surrounds this game as referee, Michael Oliver, demonstrated zero consistency in yellow cards for kicking the ball away as Trossard was sent off, yet Jeremy Doku got nothing. Numerous foul and throw-in calls dubiously also went to City. Oliver’s final whistle to end the game seemingly waited for City to equalize, but Arsenal’s first goal was also questionable as City players were not allowed to return to position before the play resumed. Ultimately Sunday featured a heated exchange between two of the best teams in the world with an excellent first half, and a second half ruined by the judgment of Michael Oliver. The February 1st rematch at the Emirates is going to be massive, over the past couple of seasons a true rivalry has been developing, and with tensions at an all time high, it should be a superb game.
