“I have returned the Man of the match award to him because he deserved it more than me… He came as a substitute but did something others couldn’t”: David Raya shocked by his Arsenal teammate’s performance against Man city today despite coming as a substitute
“I have returned the Man of the match award to him because he deserved it more than me… He came as a substitute but did something others couldn’t”: David Raya shocked by his Arsenal teammate’s performance against Man city today despite coming as a substitute
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw in the most devastating of circumstances at the Etihad Stadium. The game got off to an awful start for the Gunners who were behind when Erling Haaland ran straight through the heart of the defence to poke beyond David Raya. Ilkay Gundogan then struck the post with a free kick and it looked as though Arsenal were in for a long afternoon.
They began to find their feet though and equalised through a stunning strike from the edge of the box by Riccardo Calafiori after a quickly taken free kick. As the first half ticked in to stoppage time, Gabriel then rose highest to score from a Bukayo Saka corner for a second consecutive game.
Arsenal appeared to be in control, but with seconds remaining in the half Leandro Trossard was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. That set up a second half almost entirely of attack vs defence.
David Raya: Impressive shot stopping when called upon. His save from Haaland’s second half in particular was impressive. Some resolute time wasting in the second half too. 8.
Jurrien Timber: Kept Doku quiet for the vast majority of the first half. When Savinho switched to his side in the second period, the Brazilian got no joy despite being a real menace in the first period. 8.
William Saliba: Couldn’t really be blamed for the goal. Showed some superb composure at times. Great defence of his box for the whole second half. 7.
Gabriel: Had a nervy start. Got caught between marking Silva and Haaland for the goal and did neither. Grew into it though. Yet another superb contribution from a corner. Second half his defending was excellent. 8.
Riccardo Calafiori: Let’s start with his goal which was superb. Away from that though the Italian was not always convincing. Caught out for the goal and showed a tendency to dive in on occasion. Not quite as solid as the rest of the back four. 6.
Thomas Partey: A little poor for the goal as he was easily dragged out of position. After that recovered to have an impressive game. Defensively excellent in the second half when on a yellow and showed great composure on the few occasions Arsenal got the ball. 7.
Declan Rice: In an unfamiliar role on the right side of central midfield, his defending in the 4-4-2 was good. Worked himself into the ground. 7.
Bukayo Saka: Should have been a huge day for him getting the captain’s armband in such a big match. Instead was unfortunate to be sacrificed at half time. While on the pitch his corner delivery was sublime, though. 7.
Gabriel Martinelli: Worked himself into the ground off the ball as he always does. This time he had the quality on the ball to match. Some impressive delivery down the left hand side and great dribbling. 8.
Leandro Trossard: His second yellow was harsh and changed the game. Prior to that the Belgian had been relatively quiet and missed a decent chance that had been laid on for him by Martinelli. 6.
Kai Havertz: Worked himself into the ground for his team. Some superb doubling up to help Timber in the wide areas. Set the tone for Arsenal’s fighting performance by colliding with Rodri in the first seconds. 8.
SUBSTITUTES –
Ben White: Was apparently struggling with an issue before the match but showed superb levels after coming off the bench at the break. Defended his box resolutely and with superb alertness. 8.
