CHRIS SUTTON'S BIG MATCH RATINGS: Pep schools his former pupil
CHRIS SUTTON’S BIG MATCH RATINGS: Pep Guardiola schools his former pupil as Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland tear Arsenal apart… but where was the Bukayo Saka we’ve seen this season?
- Man City thrashed Arsenal 4-1 to take full control of the Premier League title race
- Mikel Arteta endured a harrowing evening up against his old mentor Guardiola
- The Gunners were on the wrong end of a De Bruyne and Haaland masterclass
Manchester City swept aside the challenge of Arsenal and moved themselves into pole position to retain their Premier League crown on Wednesday night.
In a highly-anticipated showdown between the country’s top two teams, it was City who showed their class and experience as they put four past an overwhelmed Gunners side.
A masterful Kevin de Bruyne scored twice on the night, with goals from John Stones and Erling Haaland sealing a 4-1 rout and handing Pep Guardiola’s men full control of the title race.
City now trail Arsenal by just two points at the summit and have as many games-in-hand still to play.
Here, Mail Sport’s CHRIS SUTTON takes a look at how each player fared in their title clash at the Etihad.
Kevin de Bruyne scored twice as Manchester City cruised past Arsenal on Wednesday night
City are now in firm control of this season’s Premier League title race heading to the finish line
Manchester City
Ederson – 7
Flawless and was barely troubled. He’s so comfortable with the ball at his feet. For a goalkeeper, I really like watching him.
Kyle Walker – 7
Surprise inclusion but was steady and gave nothing away up against Martinelli. Didn’t have a great deal to do, really.
Ruben Dias – 6.5
Fortunate not to see red when he kicked out at White. Solid in defence, as ever, even if it was a quiet night.
Manuel Akanji – 7.5
Came out on top in his battle with Saka and also showed his versatility. He can play anywhere across the back and has been excellent of late.
John Stones – 8
A revelation this season and another impressive outing in front of the back four. He does that role so well and got a vital goal.
John Stones has been a revelation for City this term and produced another impressive display
Rodri – 7.5
Kept things ticking over. Always showing for the ball and is that perfect link between defence and those in front of him.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Such a clever player. Had one of his quieter games in terms of impact in the final third, but barely wasted a ball and was key to City’s midfield domination.
Kevin de Bruyne – 9
Lovely awareness to spot the gap at the near post and find it for the opener. Stepped up on the biggest stage.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
Such an underrated player. Went about his business with the usual composure and industry. Another who just doesn’t give the ball away.
Jack Grealish – 7
On the periphery a little but his decision-making has improved so much, as seen with one smart pass to create a Haaland chance in the first half. Work-rate was excellent.
Erling Haaland – 8.5
Who said he’s all about scoring? Showed he’s a team player with excellent assist for De Bruyne. Direct. Pins defenders and they couldn’t cope.
Erling Haaland got his goal but also showed he is a team player before sealing the rout
This was a masterclass from Pep Guardiola, who got the better of former pupil Mikel Arteta
Substitutes
Mahrez (Gundogan, 72min)
Alvarez (De Bruyne, 80) Foden (Grealish, 87)
Pep Guardiola – 9
It was a Pep masterclass and he schooled his former pupil. City totally controlled the game in every aspect. The first goal is all about tactical awareness, the longer ball taking out the Arsenal press.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale – 5.5
Should be disappointed with City’s first — in better form, he saves that. Made some good saves after that but that opener sets the tone.
Aaron Ramsdale (centre) should be disappointed with City’s opening goal on the night
Ben White – 6
Made a good block from De Bruyne in the first half and stuck at it. Probably the pick of Arsenal’s players, although that was a low bar.
Rob Holding – 5.5
The feeling before the game was that Arsenal would miss Saliba. Holding came up short again as stand-in. Nice finish for consolation goal.
Gabriel – 5.5
Hasn’t been able to cope since sidekick Saliba came out of the team and it was another tough night. Backed off for first goal.
Oleks Zinchenko – 5.5
Normally so influential the way he plays the inverted full-back role but he wasn’t here. One of many who froze on return to his former club.
Martin Odegaard – 5.5
Just was not involved. A super player but did not influence anywhere near as much as he would have liked. Arsenal’s skipper was missing.
Rob Holding added a consolation for Arsenal but he came up short against Haaland
Martin Odegaard just wasn’t as involved as he has been for the Gunners so often this season
Thomas Partey – 5
Struggled. It was an important role trying to contain De Bruyne but didn’t get near him. Had a chance at 1-0 but didn’t find the target.
Granit Xhaka – 5
I’ve been impressed with him all season, but not here. Didn’t protect the back four and offered nothing going forward.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Where was the Saka we have seen this season? The one who gets the ball and runs at his opponents?
Where was the Bukayo Saka we have seen light up the Premier League for Arsenal this season?
Gabriel Jesus – 5.5
Was starved of service and I felt for him, because I like the way he plays, never giving defenders a minute’s rest. He tried hard on his Etihad return, but it was a lost cause.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Has that running power but we did not see it, much like Saka. No surprise to see him taken off. Disappointing.
Substitutes
Jorginho (for Xhaka, 60min, 6)
Trossard (Martinelli, 60, 6) Smith Rowe (Odegaard, 71, 6)
Nelson (Saka, 80) Nketiah (Jesus, 80)
Mikel Arteta – 4
A harrowing evening for him. The doubts had already kicked in and, on the night, they didn’t believe they could win the game. At no point did Arsenal have any control.
Referee
Michael Oliver – 8
It was a harrowing evening for Arteta up against his old mentor in Guardiola at the Etihad
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