Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City: Players ratings & Man of the Match

Manchester City made in 11 Premier League wins in a row with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal on New Year’s Day.

Pep Guardiola’s men were far from their best at the Emirates and the hosts deservedly led at the break thanks to Bukayo Saka’s opener.

But a few minutes of madness from Arsenal changed the course of the game, as Granit Xhaka conceded a mindless, yet controversial penalty, before centre-back Gabriel picked up a second booking soon after.

It was Riyad Mahrez who converted the spot-kick, and then Rodri prodded home in the third minute of injury-time to hand City the lead and extend their gap at the top of the table to 11 points.

Manchester City player ratings

Ederson- 6

The goalkeeper was fortunate not to have a penalty awarded against him in the first period when he tripped Martin Odegaard in the box. Ederson’s passing was superb, as usual.

Joao Cancelo- 5

Not as his usual level, which is unsurprising given his tumultuous week. The full-back’s passing was off at times and he struggled with the pace and trickery of Gabriel Martinelli.

Ruben Dias- 6

Had City’s best chance of the first half when he headed over inside the box, but wasn’t his typically assured self in possession.

Aymeric Laporte- 5

Nearly netted an own-goal when he headed over Ederson and didn’t deal well with the pressing and harrying of the Arsenal forwards. Laporte looked a little out of sorts on a subpar afternoon for the champions.

Nathan Ake- 6

Saka enjoyed his battle up against the former Bournemouth man, although Ake did improve as the game continued. The defender also made a vital clearance off the line to prevent Laporte’s misplaced header from being an own-goal.

Rodri- 6

Was overrun in midfield in the during the first half, but improved in the second period with the support of Ilkay Gundogan. Rodri’s passing was good when Arsenal went down to 10 men and he helped knit together the City attack. The Spaniard’s forward run into the box saw him poke home an injury-time winner.

Bernardo Silva- 6

His movement and dribbling resulted in City winning a penalty in the second period, although Silva didn’t pull the strings at the Emirates as we’ve become accustomed to in recent weeks. He moved to more of a centre-forward position after Gabriel Jesus was withdrawn.

Kevin De Bruyne- 7

City’s most creative presence all afternoon and even as the visitors struggled in the first half, De Bruyne slipped repeated passes into the attacking areas. The Belgian played slightly more from the left and went close with a curling effort on 19 minutes. His arched pass ultimately led to Rodri’s late winner.

Riyad Mahrez- 5

Despite smashing the penalty past Aaron Ramsdale, the No.26 had a tough game. Mahrez had little joy up against Kieran Tierney and failed to create many chances or shots, although he did hit the side netting with a strike in 87th minute.

Raheem Sterling- 6

Was one of the better performers in the opening 45 and enjoyed a good battle with Takehiro Tomiyasu, although the Japanese defender probably came out on top. Playing from the left wing, Sterling didn’t create any chances of note in the final 30 minutes as the champions pushed for a winner.

Gabriel Jesus- 5 (Off 63)

Like many others, struggled to deal with Arsenal’s pressing and intensity. Had a header which went over early on, but that was his only effort of note.

Ilkay Gundogan- 7 (On 63)

City were much better after the midfielder’s introduction and he helped move the ball more decisively in the second half.

Arsenal player ratings

Ramsdale 6; Tomiyasu 8, White 8, Gabriel 6 (off 59), Tierney 7; Xhaka 6, Partey 8; Saka 8 (Elneny 84), Odegaard 7 (Holding 63;7), Martinelli 7; Lacazette 7 (Smith Row 70; 6).

Man of the Match

Thomas Partey was the standout performer and ran the midfield for Arsenal in the first half. His pressing and tackling were excellent and he rarely wasted a pass. As Arsenal had less possession, Partey continued to drive forward with the ball in the latter stages.