Manchester city got the better of Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday at the Etihad to proceed for the 5th round stage.
Nathan Ake was the difference between the two top english clubs as he scored the only goal of the match in the 64th minute. It was a sharp side footed finish finding the bottom-right corner, out of the reach of goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The top two have still to meet in the Premier League this season, in a highly anticipated match. This tie was a taste of what is to come when those games take place in February and April as the two clubs are currently the most obvious title contenders.
Guardiola’s City began strongly, but Arsenal had the first big chance of the game but city’s keeper Ortega was up to task.
Tomiyasu was then on hand at the other end to keep out Erling Haaland after the striker looked to loop an overhead kick past Turner, who had raced off his line to make an interception.
Arsenal’s new winger Leandro Trossard was sparlking on the left side of the pitch causing problems for Manchester city. First half had no goals despite efforts from De bruyne and Erling Haaland.
City introduced Julian Alvarez and Kyle Walker just before the hour mark and began to look sharper. Alvarez went close by hitting the right post, a mere 10 seconds before Ake slotted City ahead with a composed finish.
Despite introduction of Arsenal’s captain Odegaard and other reinforcements, city managed to keep Arsenal at bay till the full time whistle was blown.
Wins against Tottenham and Manchester United meant Arsenal came into this tie on a high, but they made several changes. Matt Turner replaced Ramsdale in goal with Holding, Tiereny, Tomiyasu, Viera and Trossard coming in for Saliba, Ben white, Zinchenko, Odegaard and Martineli respectively. This shows Arsenal’s squad depth but majorly outlines their season priorities.
Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah had just one goal attempt, and he could not repeat his heroics against United during this match. This shows how city we comfortable defensively.
City win over Arsenal in the FA Cup for the first time since the first ever meeting between the two sides in the competition back in February 1904 (2-0). They had lost four successive games against the Gunners in the the FA Cup before this victory.
Arsenal have lost 13 of their past 14 games against City in all competitions (W1) and this was their sixth defeat in a row at the hands of the Premier League champions.
Manchester City next travel to face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday 5th of February. Arsenal are next in action a day earlier at home to Everton in the Premier league.
