Man City vs Arsenal | 2022/23 PL | 3 Crucial Things Learnt From the Game

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We learnt three things as Man City put on a dominant display against Arsenal, securing a convincing 4-1 victory against the North London side at the Etihad Stadium. This win has strengthened City’s chances of retaining the Premier League title.

The Gunners entered the game after a string of draws – at Liverpool, at West Ham and against Southampton. The visitors’ aspirations were shattered very early when Kevin De Bruyne scored a magnificent solo goal, just seven minutes into the game.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Kevin de Bruyne — Image Obtained via The Sun

Just before the end of the first half, John Stones was able to improve City’s lead by heading in a free-kick from De Bruyne. The Belgian play-maker and goal-machine Erling Haaland further cemented the win at the Etihad in the second half.

Despite his best efforts, Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding was unable to match Haaland’s strength and quick thinking. However, the English defender did manage to score a consolation goal for the visitors with only five minutes left in the game.

1. Arsenal Were Second-Best All Night

During the game, gaps emerged between Arsenal’s defence and midfield, leaving KDB and Haaland with space to exploit. The first goal resulted from such a gap, and although City’s second came through a set-piece, the visitors’ wastefulness in the first-half played a significant role in the score being just 2-0. Aaron Ramsdale also gave an inspired goalkeeping performance to keep the scoreline respectable.

Man City, Arsenal — Image Obtained via CNN

The influence of Mikel Arteta’s time under Pep Guardiola was evident throughout the Man City vs Arsenal match. This season, the Gunners have the youngest squad in the Premier League, with an average age of 24.4 years. However, their lack of depth in the squad was visible, highlighting the need for them to prioritise addressing this issue during the upcoming transfer window.

2. De Bruyne Masterclass Lights Up Etihad

The talented Belgian midfielder displayed his skills by scoring two goals and creating another. The result made a mockery of the Premier League standings, and it served as a stark reminder to the challengers of the Cityzens as to how much ground they still have to cover. Arsenal are now just two points clear at the top of the table but have played two more games than 2nd-placed Man City.

Kevin De Bruyne, Man City, Arsenal — Image Obtained via MARCA

After the match, Pep Guardiola praised the midfielder’s performance, stating that he always encourages the Belgian to improve. The Spanish manager added that KDB seems to have more freedom to operate in his current role, where he can move behind the opposition’s defence.

3. Erling Haaland Breaks PL Goal-Scoring Record

Erling Haaland scored the last goal for the Cityzens, making it 4-1 on the night. The goal was the Norwegian’s 33rd in his debut Premier League season, breaking the record for most goals scored in a PL season, previously held by Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

Inevitable. @ErlingHaaland now holds the record for the most goals of any player in a 38-match #PL season! pic.twitter.com/FmF83lUa6V

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 26, 2023

The prolific City striker has amassed an impressive 49 goals in only 43 appearances across all competitions for the club this season (stats via Transfermarkt), and he is likely to add more to his tally before the season’s end.

With seven Premier League games remaining, a forthcoming FA Cup final against Manchester United, and a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on the horizon, the Norwegian and his team have a busy schedule ahead.

Man City exerted pressure on Arsenal from the opening minute, scoring their goals through a long ball, a set-piece, and a break down the middle. The execution of these tactics was flawless, highlighting the importance of simplicity when executed with precision.

During a period in the season, the Cityzens had only 7 wins out of 12 games, with 4 losses. They adjusted their playing system to suit Haaland’s style. This change led to a more direct approach, with a shift from Guardiola’s previous slow and steady possession-based style to a more dynamic and rapid one.

Despite this defeat, the North London side must not forget the progress they have made this campaign. Mikel Arteta must now focus on restoring the winning momentum that propelled them through the first three-quarters of the 2022-23 season.

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