What a time to be a Gooner! We finally beat Manchester City (1-0), and in doing so, we have now won against every Premier League opponent we have faced since Mikel Arteta took over in 2019.
The game versus Manchester City was tough, and in the end, only a narrow margin won the match, with Kai Havertz setting up Martinelli for the winner. Not many will object to Martinelli being considered the man of the match for that clash, even though he wasn’t the only one who impressed on the pitch. Here are three other players who also did:
1. Declan Rice
Our £105 million midfield genius excelled; he was attentive enough to make key interceptions to win us the ball, much like Xhaka used to. He took action to put an end to the Citizen’s seemingly everlasting possession. Furthermore, he was excellent with the ball. He displayed the attacking enthusiasm to carry the ball forward as a box-to-box midfielder does, a role he could comfortably play with Arteta deploying Jorgingho to play in the No. 6 spot.
2. Gabriel Magalhaes
The Brazilian is solidifying his position as a trusted member of our defence. He excelled against Manchester City, making several last-ditch clearances to prevent City from scoring, something they don’t usually struggle to do with Julian Alvarez and Haaland on the pitch.
3. William Saliba
Saliba was our only player whose calmness shone through in the first half when Arsenal felt uneasy. The Frenchman gave another master class on how to deal with Erling Haaland. If his performance against Manchester City doesn’t announce him as one of the Premier League’s top defenders, I don’t know what would.
Aside from Martinelli Gabriel, Saliba and Rice, Gabriel Jesus played brilliantly, and Jorginho demonstrated that he can be trusted on important occasions.
Who impressed you the most in our first league victory over City since 2015?
Sam P
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Sam P on point 👌 The tree
of RMS mentioned did well. But I would like to add GJesus and Ben White, there couldn’t have been better replacement on the right wing than GJesus. If any one knows who could have battled MCity defence better in the absence of BSaka let me know. And then all the substitutes 👍
I preyed arsenal wouldn’t sign Declan Rice as I couldn’t see what Arteta could see in him at West ham. I thought he was just an average midfielder
Now seeing him with better class players he is oozing with class he’s a really top player. A brilliant signing worth every dime we paid for him
Substitutes👍👍👍
Pathey. -to. Tomiyasu. -to. Havertz. to. Matinelli. = Goal. What a bench.
For me, best player on the pitch was Rice closely followed by Meghales. However, for doing final piece of putting the ball inside the net, Martinelli got MOM. Well done boys. Thank God we didn’t missed Saka much.
Arteta got it right spot on
👍 Sylva, one could argue that if all fully fit they would start. A very strong bench, which Arteta used well in a timely manner.
Saliba was immense. Rice was great. Expected Martinelli to be rusty after quite a long injury but that was far from the case. They all played very well except I thought Jorginho made a lot of mistakes and had a poor game, Trossard was strangely quiet and Nketiah was toothless. Raya started off badly but got it together eventually. Havertz seems to be settling in a bit. He was good too.
Please do not compare Declan with Xaka, they are two different players with there own stlye. As the saying goes “Comparisons are ooious”
Off the top of my head:
Gabriel
Saliba
Rice
Martinelli
Partey
Zinchenko
Odegaard
Gabriel Jesus
Oooh no with rice nothing is their like relieng on referee all time as thaka did all arsenal seasons he spend that due to luck of focus game reading eg he lacked game quick passing and positioning
But with rice everything its diferent.e.g is a game master reader with fire power through indirect and direct ball recovery and quick passing
Martinelli never looked like his been away.l really like the hunger he demonstrated when called upon.
The boys are developing team spirit.who saw the way martinelli fumed at captain when he lost the ball yet best option was to give a pass to him
A team effort, with everyone putting in, with midfield (Odegaard, Rice, Jorgenson and Partey) and the defence (White, Salina and Gabriel in particular) outstanding. To keep Haarland quiet all game is no mean feat.
Gabriel for me was awesome in defence. He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves because of his tough style of play. His bubbly play is infectious on all the other defenders. I can say our defense line is the back bone of our game. Every player including all the reserves played very well. Arteta’s tactics was on point. CYGs!!!
Our entire midfield and defense defended so well it was great to watch. But if one stood out for me it was Rice, he looked so capable of dealing with City, and he purred throughout
What I am liking the most recently is Tomiyasu’s role in the team. The guy is another Partey level player in our team, if he stays fit and sharp. Guy is super versatile, super calm, and I really loved him being pushed forward to receive the ball in the box. That was quite genius. His aerial superiority and ball hold up combined with someone like Havertz, can be a really dangerous tool in the opponent’s box. And he isn’t a jittery passer but holds on to the ball and can hold off defenders easily. A great asset to the team.
I rate him super high of course, on the level of Partey. If he stays fit, he is so so versatile and a safe player as well. Never a nervy moment by him.
If we had Timber available, damn our squad would probably be the most versatile in the league. Teams will never know how to plan against Arsenal.
Well said Daulat. Tomi used to be s regular starter at RB. Few seasons ago he was one of the stand out players in the team. He is so versatile eh. Love that you mentioned Timber. Thought he was going to have a break out season but no worries, when he comes back he will be like a new signing. Oh yeah. Versatility quality oozes in this team and I love how players are giving their all when called upon. Now Arteta just have to trust his players and be more tactical aware….
Saliba
For me it was a team effort. Every player was dedicated and committed, from back line, middle field and front line. All players worked tirelessly. It was a solid team effort. However thumbs-up to skillful Gabriel Martinelli and a long pass from Thomas Partey.
Thanks to everyone in the team for making us proud of you guys.
Thanks to the team manager and technical team