MAN CITY 1 – 0 Arsenal – MY THOUGHTS
19 Dec
One of the most pulsating games of the season and thanks to our quality, resilience and character, we were victorious. After the defeat to Chelsea, returning to winning ways was absolutely key, so it was a huge relief when the final whistle was blown and we retained our two point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
With Manchester United winning earlier in the day, the pressure was on us to bounce back from the Chelsea loss and send a message to other clubs that we are here to stay. Fortunately, we have a squad packed with leaders and despite Arsenal impressing, few would argue that we weren’t deserving of the three points. David Silva’s goal in the second half secured a hard-fought win in a game that will be remembered for the commitment on show, the quality and the end-to-end action.
It was a powerful team performance from City, but there were two players in particular who stood out, and it was a pair who are often overlooked for their more technically able teammates. Both Gareth Barry and Pablo Zabaleta were warriors yesterday and were exactly the type of characters we needed. The Argentinean, playing in his unfavoured leftback role, completely nullified the threat of Theo Walcott with a masterful defensive display, whilst Barry was a rock in midfield, winning his tackles, keeping possession and providing an essential balance between attack and defence.
The obvious threat from Arsenal was in the shape of Robin Van Persie, so it was welcome to see Vincent Kompany produce his best performance of the season to limit the Dutchman’s threat. Our captain was dominant in the air, quick to get tight to the striker and was a formidable presence at the back. He’s looked short this season of his brilliance from last campaign, but this was hopefully a sign that he’s on his way back.
Both sides lacked a clinical touch in front of goal, though credit should be given to Joe Hart and Wojciech Szczesny for the way in which they protected their goals. The Arsenal ‘keeper in particular was quick of his line to narrow the angle and made a couple of decent stops from Sergio Aguero. Hart was forced to tip over a late Thomas Vermaelen effort and he will have been delighted to record a rare clean sheet.
Opposition View: Arsenal gave us as tough a challenge as we’ve had this season at the Etihad Stadium and credit must go to them for the way in which to attacked us and gave the match a cup tie feel. Despite Van Persie and Walcott being kept quiet, they still had a few chances and managed to test Hart. If they can add another top class striker to support Van Persie, they could make a serious impression on the top four this campaign, though knowing Wenger’s reluctance to spend, that’s a big ‘if’. In defence, they looked susceptible to our pace and movement, although in Szczesny, they have a hugely promising goalkeeper who will save them many points.
As for the Blues, we now move on to another tricky fixture: Stoke. They will pose a different threat to Arsenal, but if we produce the same level of performance as yesterday, we should be fine.
As i mentioned before, agree completely – Barry and in particular Zaba were outstanding, not one player played badly, and for me to say that (about yaya) the team must have played well!
Pretty fair write up all in all. Its a shame we had no fit fullbacks as it really changed our ability to move the ball out wide.
Cant wait for the return game at our place. Hopefully by then we will be better able to field our first eleven. It will be intruiging to see where we both are by then.
Fair summary. Arsenal did well. Should have gotten points if we are going to stay in touch with Man U and Spurs for the title among the real clubs. Fantasy club Man City will win the title, but I can’t imagine that anyone actually cares about that.
you seem to care, weird
Really impressed with Szczesny. He’d clearly watched tape on Aguero because he loves to run across the face of goal and then go low against his and the keeper’s movement. Szczesny was almost on the ground to that side before Aguero shot.