The Gunners can harbor regrets. For this first match of the year 2022, Arsenal lost against Manchester City (1-2) this Saturday, during the 21st day of the Premier League. Sparkling and unapologetic in the first period, the Londoners then completely cracked in the second period. Very offensive, Mikel Arteta’s men were rewarded half an hour into the game after a great collective action concluded by Bukayo Saka (31st). Like a Gabriel Martinelli on fire on his left side but not very precise against Ederson (16th, 39th, 43rd), Arsenal increased the attacks against asphyxiated Cityzens.
Six minutes was a game-changer
Yes but here it is, the truth of the first period is not necessarily that of the second. Especially against the team of Pep Guardiola. Yet at ease in their meeting, the teammates of Alexandre Lacazette lost their means in six short minutes. On one of Manchester City’s attacks, Granit Xhaka conceded a penalty after a foul on Bernardo Silva. A gift that allowed Riyad Mahrez to score his sixth goal of the season in the Premier League (57th).
And as if this error were not enough, the Gunners ended the meeting 10 against 11. After an avoidable foul on Gabriel Jesus, the former Lille resident, Gabriel, was excluded on the hour mark. The Cityzens, more liberated , subsequently multiplied the assaults in the London camp by monopolizing the ball. And the light finally came from Rodri, who released his own on a cross from Kevin De Bruyne in added time (90 + 3). This victory allows Manchester City to chain an eleventh consecutive victory in the Premier League.