Three things we learned – Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City

Manchester Metropolis suffered late heartbreak, as an damage time leveller from Gabriel Martinelli earned Arsenal some extent on the Emirates Stadium.

The Blues took an early lead by way of Erling Haaland’s inevitable aim, however spent a lot of the remainder of the sport defending towards wave after wave of Arsenal assault.

Metropolis largely saved Arsenal at bay, limiting them to 2 pictures on the right track throughout the total recreation, earlier than their previous enemy of an extended ball excessive caught out the backline and allowed Martinelli to lob the ball over a stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the web.

Which means seven factors from three very robust video games in every week, so is nonetheless an encouraging signal regardless of late disappointment.

Listed below are three issues we realized from the attract North London:

The total again conundrum is solved for now

Metropolis have been unbelievable yesterday, and in some ways deserved three factors. It was a spirited, decided efficiency, epitomised by Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico O’Reilly.

The Uzbekistan worldwide saved Leandro Trossard in his pocket within the first half. He senses hazard, instances his tackles supremely properly and is tremendous composed and crisp together with his actions.

He went off at half time injured, and let’s give Matheus Nunes credit score, as a result of he got here on and performed properly.

However Khusanov has confirmed himself to be Metropolis’s greatest proper again and we will solely hope that his damage isn’t in any means critical.

And on the opposite facet, O’Reilly may properly have been my man of the match. He reads the sport exceptionally properly and is a powerful, clever defender.

The best praise that may be given to him is that Rayan Ait-Nouti – Metropolis’s new £35 million signing from Wolves – could have a battle on his palms to win his place again within the group.

Pep is turning into a pragmatist

By no means, ever, did I feel I’d see a Metropolis efficiency below Pep Guardiola with simply 32% possession.

Metropolis clearly sensed that Arsenal’s midfield trio of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi can be nowhere close to inventive sufficient to interrupt down a deep defence, while Haaland and Jeremy Doku on the different finish may lead the Blues ahead on the counter.

That was how Haaland’s aim was scored; a scrap in midfield broke to the Norwegian, who flicked it to Tijjani Reijnders and zoomed ahead into house.

Reijnders carried the ball ahead and waited to play the go on the excellent second to Haaland, who completed emphatically.

It was initially stunning to see, however in some methods it wasn’t so. Haaland fits a transition recreation, and so does Doku. Reijnders additionally does when it comes to attacking, however wants to enhance with duel profitable (I’m positive he’ll.)

The backline, largely Ruben Dias, thrive in sitting deep and defending, while Donnarumma can deal with being put below strain as arguably the very best shot stopping goalkeeper on the earth.

It is smart that Guardiola is adapting to go well with what he has in entrance of him, significantly after a trophyless season final yr.

He likes a fluid, possession based mostly system, however in the end Guardiola’s precedence has all the time been to win.

There’s an incredible core to this squad

I don’t assume many individuals would argue with the assertion that Metropolis have the very best goalkeeper, left footed centre again, defensive midfielder and striker within the Premier League, if not the world.

To get again to their prime stage, Metropolis simply must construct round these gamers with high quality and provides them time to gel as a group.

They usually’re already doing that.

Reijnders has the potential to be an elite high quality eight, and Phil Foden has definitely proven he’s ok as a ten.

Rayan Cherki is an elite expertise who simply must adapt, Doku is coming to fruition and the likes of Omar Marmoush, Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez are clearly helpful gamers.

From the academy, Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis and O’Reilly are on the very least helpful squad gamers. James Trafford is an efficient backup goalkeeper, Rayan Ait-Nouri is a wonderful attacking left again and the older gamers in Mateo Kovacic, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Bernardo Silva can be phased out within the subsequent two seasons, however nonetheless have so much to offer.

I don’t assume we’ll see the best possible of Metropolis this season, as a result of adaptation technique of so many new gamers without delay. However I don’t doubt that this group of gamers below Guardiola will compete for and win one other Premier League earlier than the Catalan leaves the shores of England.