Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Arsenal lost their second consecutive game in December as Manchester City took all three points from a crucial Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
A promising start for the Gunners saw Theo Walcott put Arsenal in front with less than five minutes on the clock after being put through by Alexis Sanchez.
However, City came roaring back in the opening two minutes of the second half as Leroy Sane comfortably tucked his effort away after being played through.
City scored their second when a wonderful cross field pass by Kevin De Bryune found Raheem Sterling, who then proceeded to make a fool out of Nacho Monreal to power in a shot at Petr Cech’s near post.
Arsenal lacked any sort of energy and leadership in a second half that exposed the teams weaknesses. The Gunners didnt have a single shot on target after Walcott’s opening goal.
PLAYER RATINGS
Petr Cech: 2/10
Poor kicking and conceded a goal at his near post yet again.
Nacho Monreal: 2/10
Lost count of the amount of times the Spaniard got completely destroyed on the left flank. He needs to be dropped for Kieran Gibbs as his lack of pace got exposed yet again this season.
Laurent Koscielny: 4/10
Not his usual self today as he and his defensive partner constantly dropped deep which invited pressure on to the side.
Gabriel Paulista: 3/10
Disappointing performance today as the Brazilian gave the ball away on numerous occasions.
Hector Bellerin: 5/10
Couldn’t get forward as often as he usual as Arsenal were camped in their own half.
Granit Xhaka: 2/10
The Swiss international lost the ball on numerous occasions and hardly won any tackles. His clearances were wayward.
Francis Coquelin: 2/10
Similar performance to Xhaka. Unable to assert any influence in Arsenal’s midfield.
Theo Walcott: 6/10
Notched another goal in a good season for the forward. He also came back to defend on multiple occasions. My man of the match, if there is one.
Mesut Ozil: 2/10
Anonymous and failed to track back.
Alex Iwobi: 5/10
Decent first-half as Arsenal looked alright going forward, but dropped off second-half as City dominated.
Alexis Sanchez: 6/10
Works hard, but also likes to do it all on his own. As a result he loses the ball often, which is why Walcott pipped him to a MOTM award. (If there is one)
Substitutions
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: N/A
Didnt play long enough as he went off injured
Olivier Giroud: N/A
Didnt play long enough
Mohamed Elneny: N/A
Didnt play long enough
