Arsenal suffered their second defeat of the season – a 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad. It was Arsenal’s 7th consecutive league loss to City.

It was an improved result compared to the last league meet where the Gunners lost 3-0 with a injuries to Mari & Xhaka and a red card to David Luiz – post lockdown.

Arteta started with Willian as false 9 and Lacazette on the bench. It was without bite as the Gunners couldn’t make save off Ederson in the first half.

Arsenal’s fullbacks were beaten for the goal. Tierney was dragged away by Mahrez, Bellerin made it easy for Forden whose strike was parried by Leno to Sterling. The captain scored.

Arsenal’s second half was better with Saka the brightest. Introduction of Partey, Lacazette and Nketiah couldn’t get Arsenal an equalizer.

The Gunners are too invested in defensive mode and playing from the back. The chances created are very few with passes in the final third below par.

The high boot incident just before halt time

Arsenal could have gotten a penalty in first half stoppage time. There was a case of high bootsl at Gabriel but VAR said no, quickly. Arteta wasn’t happy about that.

I wasn’t happy about that result because the Gunners didn’t make City suffer for the win. It was an easy one. City were rarely threatened.

Arsenal have to do better against similar opposition. The opportunity to move to second on the table was missed.

Up next – the final player list for the Premier League. Will Ozil make the cut? Then the small matter of the Europa League.

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