PLAYER RATINGS: Fernandinho runs show as Bellerin is run ragged
PLAYER RATINGS: Fernandinho runs the show as Manchester City sink Arsenal… with Hector Bellerin dominated by Raheem Sterling
- Manchester City beat Arsenal 1-0 to bag their 13th Premier League win in a row
- Raheem Sterling fired the opener after two minutes with a close-range header
- The Englishman ran Gunners right-back Hector Bellerin ragged throughout
- Fernandinho dominated midfield for City, with Ruben Dias defending expertly
Manchester City took another step in their seemingly inevitable march towards the Premier League title on Saturday, bagging a 13th win in a row against Arsenal.
The Gunners were no match for City, with the first-half resembling a training drill as Pep Guardiola’s men controlled the game after Raheem Sterling’s opener.
On a night that saw City strengthen their 10-point lead at the top, JACK GAUGHAN rated the performances at the Emirates.
Raheem Sterling scored the only goal as Manchester City cruised past Arsenal on Saturday
Nothing he could do about the goal. Swept up well when balls were fashioned behind his back four.
Hector Bellerin – 5
Struggled up against Raheem Sterling and could not push him back the other way.
Hector Bellerin couldn’t deal with the threat of Raheem Sterling throughout the Emirates clash
Rob Holding – 6.5
Central defender should not have allowed Sterling to bounce off him so easily for the opener. Recovered well thereafter.
Pablo Mari – 7
First start since January 9 – a run of nine games – but stood up to City’s movement admirably.
Kieran Tierney – 6.5
Could have done with more help from his midfielders defensively. Strong going forward as always.
Mohamed Elneny – 6
Very cautious on the ball and spent too much of the game chasing it. Could have stamped more of a mark.
Gunners midfielder Mohamed Elneny failed to stamp his authority in the centre of the park
Granit Xhaka – 5.5
Did not make a tackle until the 53rd minute and was cautioned. Passive when Arsenal needed more bite.
Pepe – 5
Just did not affect the game enough. Mikel Arteta must have wanted Aleks Zinchenko isolated by Pepe.
Martin Odegaard – 5.5
Fairly anonymous for much of the afternoon. City’s players were too quick when he drifted into pockets.
Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard was kept totally silent by the City midfield and defence
Bakayo Saka – 7
Arsenal’s most productive man going forward. Always a threat down the left and attempted to attack vacant space left by the marauding Joao Cancelo.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 6
No support whatsoever and just could not keep both City central defenders occupied.
Substitutes
Alexandre Lacazette (for Odegaard, 73) – 6
Emile Smith Rowe (for Pepe, 73) – 6.5
Dani Ceballos (for Elneny, 86)
Concussion sub: David Luiz (for Holding, 82)
Subs not used: Ryan, Gabriel, Willian, Soares, Martinelli
The Gunners showed they have a long way to go until they can compete with the likes of City
Manchester City (4-1-5)
Ederson – 7
Barely had a shot to save but performed well in mopping up and distributing smartly.
Joao Cancelo – 6.5
Not quite as eye-catching individually, yet his roaming still left the opposition confused.
John Stones – 7
Nothing flashy and that is exactly what Pep Guardiola wants from the reborn Stones.
John Stones continued his great form at centre-back by bagging another solid clean-sheet
Ruben Dias – 7.5
Started moving forward in possession with more regularity. Immense defending when called upon.
Aleks Zinchenko – 6.5
More of a traditional role when Cancelo plays. Held his position, although seemed to motor forward more later on.
Fernandinho – 8
Dominant display as the one sitting midfielder. Intercepted time and again. Testament to his professionalism that he is dropped in occasionally and still governs with authority.
Fernandinho was imperious in the midfield for Pep Guardiola’s side, taking control of the game
Riyad Mahrez – 7.5
Magic feet, wonderful cross for the early opener. Has come into his own over recent weeks.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Role was more about dragging the Arsenal defenders away from their stations and completed that task.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5
Fitted back into midfield nicely, a few excellent moments. Should not take him long to regain match fitness.
Kevin De Bruyne had a solid 63 minutes as he makes his way back to full fitness after injury
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
Possibly a touch rusty in the final third after a niggling injury. Did not hit recent high standards but others took responsibility.
Raheem Sterling – 7.5
Top header in the opening two minutes and gave Bellerin headaches with his movement from the left.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus (for De Bruyne, 63) – 6
Subs not used: Steffen, Walker, Aguero, Laporte, Rodri, Torres, Mendy, Foden
Referee: Jon Moss 7
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