No winner this Sunday in the clash at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City and Arsenal separated with a goalless draw (0-0) at the Ethiad Stadium, for the 30th day of the English championship. Few clear chances in this closed, tight and tactical match, where the defenses took over the attacks. But with this draw, the Gunners lost the lead in the Premier League, to the benefit of Liverpool who had previously won against Brighton (2-1). From now on, Arsenal are second, two points behind the Reds, City remain third, three points behind the new leader.
In an undecided season where Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are battling for the title, this meeting was (still) anticipated as the match of the year, after Liverpool-City at Anfield (1-1) 3 weeks ago. Like last year, this meeting pitted the London leader against the three-time Mancunian champion. Last time, the Gunners let the title slip away at the Ethiad Stadium (4-1), but today it was different.
Much more mature than the previous season, Arteta’s men puffed out their chests from the start, and looked the ogre citizen straight in the eyes. The 10 outfield players got in tune with the collective and defended together. Despite their territorial domination and (very) favorable possession of the ball, the locals were bothered by the opposing block and did not find the solution in the first half. Worse still, it was Jesus – a veteran of the house – who had the best chances, twice grazing Ortega’s posts. 0-0 at the break, the Red and White’s plan is in motion.
During the second act, and despite the increasingly palpable tension, nothing changed. Haaland was surrounded by Gabriel and Saliba, both authors of an XXL performance. The usual conductors De Bruyne and Odegaard did not find the right melody. With 3 small shots on target, the match struggled to get going, even at the end of the match when the stress was at its peak. 72% possession for City, dominating is not winning, it was Arteta’s plan which took precedence over that of his master “Pep”. With more maturity than last year, Arsenal settled for a draw at the Ethiad Stadium. Finally, the big winner of the evening is Liverpool, winner of Brighton 2-1 earlier this Sunday. Next meetings: Arsenal-Luton, Manchester City-Aston Villa and Liverpool-Sheffield, the race continues.