City steal Arsenal’s top spot

In an anticipated Premier League battle for the top spot between master Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and former pupil Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, it was the Gunners who came out on top, as has been trend for a while now. City defeated Arsenal 3-1 on Wednesday to surpass them for first place in the Premier League. Arsenal has now lost 11 games against City, their worst run against any team in their history.

Manchester City strikes back

City took the lead in the first half with a Kevin De Bruyne goal in the 24th minute, taking advantage of an error by Tokehiro Tomiyasu.

“I’ve never seen Tomiyasu make that pass back in seven years, and he did it today,” said Arteta after the match. “It’s part of it and they have the quality to punish you.”

But Arsenal was able to tie it up before halftime. City goalkeeper Ederson fouled Eddie Nketiah, giving Bukayo Saka the opportunity to send him the wrong direction as he struck a goal into the net.

“From there, it was just one team on the pitch. It was Arsenal,” said Guardiola. “We could not play, just long balls. Everyone didn’t move. No one wanted it. In these types of games, you have to keep the ball, two or three touches being pressed, but you have to keep it.”

City had just 36% possession throughout the game, the lowest figure recorded for them in a Premier League game under Guardiola’s management.

In the second half, despite the lack of possession, City made a comeback. Jack Grealish put them back in the lead, 2-1 and Erling Haaland polished off the win 10 minutes later, leaving it impossible for Arsenal to catch up.

“In many moments, we had them. But if you give three goals away the way we did, just give them the game,” said Arteta. “Especially when you don’t put away the big chances we had, then the margin for error with them is almost zero.”

Arsenal lost their first place spot for the first time since August after failing to win three straight Premier League games.

“Psychologically, there is a marathon still out there. So psychologically it’s very far,” said Arteta. “I said it three months ago and I say it today - it’s about tomorrow. The most important thing is how we are tomorrow, and focus on that because the rest of the things, we don’t know what is going to happen.”

Arsenal will have their chance at revenge when they face City again on April 26 at the Etihad. Next up, they face Aston Villa on Saturday at Villa Park while Manchester City will face Nottingham Forest at City Ground.