Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City: Player ratings as Raheem Sterling's early goal proves to be the difference | Premier League 2020-21

Manchester City beat Arsenal 1-0 in a Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium to extend their winning streak to 18 games in all competitions.

Raheem Sterling opened the scoring in the second minute of the game to give Manchester City a lead they never relinquished. The former Liverpool star headed in after receiving a juicy cross from Riyad Mahrez.

That proved to be the only goal of the game, as Arsenal looked toothless in attack and struggled to muster a response.

With the win, Manchester City have opened up a ten-point lead atop the Premier League summit with 13 games to go.

On that note, let's have a look at the player ratings of both teams.

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Arsenal Player Ratings

Bernd Leno - 6/10

Bernd Leno had a decent game between the sticks. However, the German international was merely a spectator for most of the game, as both sides struggled to create chances up front. Although Leno was unable to earn himself a clean sheet, there was nothing he could have done to keep Sterling's header out.

Hector Bellerin - 5/10

Hector Bellerin was one troubled figure at the back. The Spaniard failed to neutralise the threat posed by Sterling and was harried by the Englishman's darting runs down the flank.

Rob Holding - 6.5/10

Rob Holding had a roller coaster night against Manchester City. The 25-year-old was at fault for the visitors' opening goal, as he failed to deal with the incoming cross from Mahrez that was comfortably headed in by Sterling.

However, he marshalled Arsenal's backline and did not allow Manchester City to score another. However, his involvement in the game came to an end following an unfortunate injury.

Pablo Mari - 6/10

Pablo Mari started on the wrong note but grew more confident as the game wore on. He formed a formidable partnership with Holding to fend off Manchester City's attack.

Kieran Tierney - 6.5/10

Kieran Tierney had his moments. Although the 23-year-old was a constant threat for Arsenal down the wing, he was often caught out of position by Mahrez. Tierney could have done better to stop the Algerian from setting up the only goal of the game.

Mohamed Elneny - 5.5/10

Mohamed Elneny did not put a foot wrong but looked bereft of ideas in the centre of the park. The Egyptian failed to ease the process of transition for Arsenal up front, as the Gunners failed to hit the visitors rapidly on the counters. Elneny played his part well defensively but left a lot to be desired high up the pitch.

Granit Xhaka - 6/10

Granit Xhaka had a rough night, as he was bullied throughout the game by Manchester City. The Swiss international lost eight duels and was left chasing shadows. He was also shown a yellow for his reckless tackles.

Nicolas Pepe - 5.5/10

Nicolas Pepe had a night to forget, as he failed to leave his mark on the fixture. He was easily contained by Pep Guardiola's men. Pepe failed to create anything substantial up front too.

Martin Odegaard- 6/10

Following his impressive outing against Benfica, Martin Odegaard was expected to shine against Manchester City. But the Real Madrid loanee failed to influence the game, as he looked short of service and was isolated for the most part of the game.

Bukayo Saka - 7/10

Bukayo Saka was the only positive for Arsenal on the night. His darting runs down the flanks were a genuine source of threat for Manchester City. Saka won seven duels and completed three dribbles, and kept Manchester City's defenders on their toes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 5/10

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was hardly involved in the game, as he was isolated up front for large swathes. Aubameyand had the least number of touches (19) amongst all the outfield players who played the entire game.

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Ratings of Arsenal substitutes against Manchester City

Emile Smith-Rowe - 5.5/10

Emile Smith-Rowe of Arsenal failed to break the lines, as Manchester City's back-line was successful in containing him.

Alexandre Lacazette - 6/10

Although Alexandre Lacazette lifted Arsenal's play, he was unable to force an equaliser.

David Luiz - N/A

David Luiz did not have much impact on the game.

Daniel Ceballos- N/A

Daniel Ceballos came on too late for Arsenal to merit a rating.

Manchester City Player Ratings

Raheem Sterling after scoring the opener for Manchester City

Ederson - 7/10

Manchester City's Ederson did not have much to do all game, as the hosts failed to create anything substantial. The Gunners hardly tested the Brazilian, as he successfully registered a clean sheet.

Joao Cancelo - 7/10

Joao Cancelo put in a solid display and successfully kept Saka in check. The Portuguese put in a well-rounded performance at the back. Cancelo played his part well offensively as well as defensively.

John Stones - 7/10

John Stones, alongside Ruben Dias, successfully neutralised Arsenal's threats. The England international ensured that the Manchester City goalkeeper was well guarded and did not have much to do.

Ruben Dias - 7.5/10

Continuing his red hot form, Ruben Dias put in another great display for Manchester City. The Portuguese international was rock solid at the back. He won four duels, made four recoveries, completed three dribbles and made a clearance to cap off a stellar display. Dias completed the most passes in the game too.

Oleksandr Zinchenko - 7.5/10

Oleksandr Zinchenko put in a massive shift at the back for Manchester City. He made eight recoveries, won three duels and made three clearances. His darting runs up and down the pitch caused Bellerin all sorts of trouble. Zinchenko was successful in containing Pepe as well.

Bernardo Silva - 7/10

Bernardo Silva had a decent outing, as he combined well with Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan to keep control of the midfield. Silva tried to breach the compact Arsenal backline on numerous occasions and also looked to feed his forwards. The Portuguese international created two chances for Manchester City too.

Fernandinho - 7.5/10

Fernandinho was phenomenal for Manchester City in the centre of the pitch. The Brazilian won seven duels, made nine recoveries, completed two dribbles and won two tackles. He was in complete control in midfield.

Ilkay Gundogan - 6.5/10

Ilkay Gundogan had a decent game, but he was far from his best. The German international had his moments but failed to produce anything substantial up front. Gundogan did well to rotate possession but was caught out by a resilient Arsenal defence quite a few times.

Riyad Mahrez - 8/10

Riyad Mahrez had a great game. The Algerian set up Sterling for Manchester City's opener with a delicious cross. Mahrez combined well with Cancelo down the flank. He also won four duels, completed three dribbles and made three recoveries in the game.

Kevin De Bruyne - 6.5/10

Kevin De Bruyne started his first game for Manchester City following his injury lay-off. The Belgian seemed to be getting back to his groove, as he created three chances for his side and looked quick with his transitions up front.

Raheem Sterling - 8/10

Raheem Sterling was a menace for Manchester City down the pitch. The 26-year-old helped secure all three points for his side as he scored a glancing header in the opening exchanges of the game. Sterling completed five dribbles and won nine duels too.

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Ratings of Manchester City Substitutes

Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10

Gabriel Jesus, for all his good intentions, was not able to double his side's advantage. Nevertheless, he won six duels during his short stay on the pitch.