Erling Haaland was bullied by William Saliba and Gabriel, David Raya’s shaky display leaves fans groaning, while tricky Christmas period will be crucial for Gunners’ title hopes… THREE THINGS WE LEARNED from Arsenal’s win over Man City

• Arsenal recorded a famous 1-0 victory over title rivals Man City on Sunday 
• The Gunners defence had feared striker Erling Haaland in their back pockets 
• But David Raya looked shaky and Arsenal’s toughest challenge is yet to come 

Arsenal sealed a memorable win over Man City at long last on Sunday – breaking their 12-game curse with a 1-0 victory to take the initiative in their likely title battle against Pep Guardiola’s men. 

Gabriel Martinelli struck late on at the Emirates to send the entire stadium into raptures and confirm that Arsenal mean business this season – with Mikel Arteta’s side now joint top of the standings alongside rivals Tottenham. 

The Gunners are on 20 points from their first eight games, having won six, drawn two and lost none. They’ve netted 16 goals and let in just six to cap off an impressive season – with their win over City sending a real message to their rivals. 

It’s the perfect way to head into the international break for the north Londoners – though City have plenty of work to do after their vulnerabilities were exposed again.

Mail Sport takes a look at three things we learned from an intriguing contest between two of this season’s heavyweights. 

Arsenal recorded a memorable win over title rivals Man City to go joint top of the table 

SALIBA AND GABRIEL POCKET HAALAND 

As William Saliba and Gabriel left the pitch, Pep Guardiola may as well have enquired as to who still had Erling Haaland in their pocket.

The Manchester City striker managed just 23 touches and no shots at goal. He was not at his best, but that was down to the marshalling of Arsenal’s centre-back pairing.

There was a moment in the first half where Haaland tried to muscle off Saliba as a through ball was coming in. It was the striker that ended up on the floor.

There is a physicality in this backline that sets the tone through the team’s core, and rejects the long held notion of meekness at Arsenal.

Erling Haaland was unusually quiet after being manhandled by William Saliba and Gabriel

Both defenders are in completely in sync with one another, a duo many a team will envy. In fact, yesterday was only Arsenal’s fifth clean-sheet in the league at home since the start of last season.

It was Saliba again drawing the plaudits, the case of whether he is the best centre back in the league becoming stronger week-to-week.

The stats back this up. Yesterday, Saliba won 100 per cent of his duels, registered a 97 per cent passing accuracy and did not get dribbled past once.

He really is some player.

RAYA LOOKS SHAKY 

If you had asked Mikel Arteta prior to the match if he would have accepted a point, he probably would reach his hand out.

It is why beating the formidable force that is Man City warrants only a limited introspection for a winning side. Evenings such as this are rare and must be cherished.

Though there was one area to address: the man between the sticks.

David Raya has started all of Arsenal’s league games since displacing Aaron Ramsdale against Everton last month.

He did keep a clean-sheet — but he also put in a jittery display that left fans groaning, with cries of ‘play it forward’ having seen the keeper take an age on the ball.

David Raya replaced Aaron Ramsdale in goal but gave Arsenal fans a few nervous moments

But it was when it hit the side-netting in the 17th minute, after City striker Julian Alvarez had closed down his kick, that caused most concern.

The Spaniard is well-adept in many areas yet thus far, he has not looked confident on the ball. It was made particularly noticeable by his opposite number Ederson who, as per, could spray short or long passes to either flank at will.

The Gunners’ backline was in imperious form, and City’s attackers largely struggled. On another day when the roles are reversed against another strong opponent, Raya will not be afforded such leeway.

Many a keeper would not be scrutinised to this depth after a clean-sheet and so soon after joining a new club. The circumstances are different here, there being two potential No1s at the same club.

JAM-PACKED CHRISTMAS WILL BE CRUCIAL FOR GUNNERS 

It is a fact, but still feels barely believable: Man City have lost two league games in a row. The last time this happened was in December 2018 with defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester.

The most recent losses come at a time in which the Gunners are weeks away from being at their full strength.

After the international break, Thomas Partey, who came on in the 75th minute, and Bukayo Saka should both be back to full fitness. Match-winner Gabriel Martinelli managed 45 minutes yesterday and looked electric, but he still has another gear having just returned from a hamstring injury.

The upcoming period before Christmas could be season-defining for the Gunners.

The Gunners made a real statement here but a tough upcoming period will define their season

Yet this temporary lapse by City can only be taken at face value. Take that dismal run in December 2018. The Blues still went on to win the league.

If Arsenal are to get within reaching distance of the title once again, the focus must be on continuing this string of league wins and readying their fringe players for the inevitable part they will play.

Injuries have already been sustained, and will continue to do so with a schedule so jam-packed full of games.

The likes of Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe must be ready for when called upon if the Gunners are to sustain their march.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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