4 key takeaways from Arsenal's 0-2 loss against Manchester City

Modified Aug 12, 2018 22:17 GMT

Arsenal FC v Manchester City - Premier League

In the final fixture of Premier League's Gameweek 1, two of the big boys in Arsenal and Manchester City competed at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal, for the first time since 1996, started the Premier League season without Arsene Wenger at the helm. Unai Emery took the usual seat of the Frenchman. His season began against record-breaking champions of last season, Manchester City.

Guardiola's side was persistent in attack from the first minute and eventually got the breakthrough they had been looking for, 14 minutes into the game. Raheem Sterling cut in from the left and drove his effort past Cech leaving his side 1-0 up. Bernardo Silva nudged the points further from Arsenal's grip in the 64th minute in an impressive victory for Manchester City.

Starting off the season for both teams, it was a difficult fixture, with both of the teams missing many of there regular players. In this article, we will look at four things we can take away from the game.

#1 Sterling makes the right headlines:

Being Raheem Sterling can be a draining job. As a favourite scapegoat of the media in recent years, Sterling did not have the best World Cup performance. In the very first game of the Premier League, however, he made their obsession with him look ridiculous as he capped the game with a goal and overall fine performance.

City's number seven forced Cech into a save at his near post in the opening five minutes of the game. He was more clinical nine minutes later when he moved from the left into a central position to get his shot away from the outstretched veteran.

He was a constant menace in his linkup with Mendy and used his feet well. The fans wouldn't bet against him bagging similar numbers like last season.

#2 Emery's system conflicts with his players:

A new manager will obviously bring a different approach to the club, but Unai Emery's approach may be one that requires longer for the Gunners to get the rhythm of.

Emery deployed Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in wide positions to Aubameyang, but there was no great effect to it as neither could impose their talents away from their desired number ten spot.

Not only were the attackers stifled, but at the summit of their side, players were uncomfortable in progressing from the back. Petr Cech was especially awkward in his play and nearly passed it into his own net on one occasion, making it a near own goal.

#3 Bernardo, the go-to Silva?

David Silva has been a remarkable servant to the Citizens and was integral to their title win last season. However, at the age of 32, the magical Spaniard is nearing the end of his run. Lucky for Pep, Bernardo is proving himself to be capable of matching David's exploits.

Bernardo Silva was excellent against Arsenal, just as he was last time out against Chelsea.

With Mahrez and Sterling occupying the wings, Silva played more centrally behind Aguero, but it was when moved back to the right did he find the net in stunning fashion.

The Portuguese made a run across the box to find Mendy's cut back and thump the ball past a helpless Cech.

#4 Guendouzi performs admirably:

You won't be blamed for not knowing much of Matteo Guendouzi, but if you saw his encouraging display against City, you'll immediately recognise his potential.

The 19-year-old signing from Lorient wasn't expected to be instantly in the first XI, but has taken his chance with assured ease.

Guendouzi was tenacious in his tackles and protected the men behind him quite well. But even in possession, he sprayed the ball around with a variety of passes.

One moment of fear for the Frenchman came when his missed interception gave Aguero a clear path to score. He was redeemed by Cech, but suggestions are he could be valuable to Emery in Arsenal's pursuit for a return to the Champions League.

Edited by Anirban Banerjee