'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal welcomed Manchester City to the Emirates with a place in the 2020-21 Carabao Cup semi-finals on the line.
The reigning champions opened their account early when Gabriel Jesus headed home with Manchester City's first attack. Arsenal equalised 30 minutes later through an Alexandre Lacazette header, with the two teams going into the break on level terms.
Nine minutes into the second half, Manchester City regained their lead through a Riyad Mahrez free-kick. A third would come five minutes later when Phil Foden chipped over an onrushing Alex Runarsson.
Manchester City added a fourth in the 73rd minute through Aymeric Laporte from close range to add more gloss to their scoreline. The 4-1 win saw City progress to the semi-finals as they chase their fourth consecutive Carabao Cup triumph.
On that note, here are five talking points Manchester City's convincing win over Arsenal.
#5 Alex Runarsson produces a horror show against Manchester City
When you’re signed for £1.5m, expectations of your ability are quite low. However, with the bar literally on the floor, Alex Runarsson has still managed to disappoint.
Up against a ruthless Manchester City attack, Runarsson shockingly made the visitors' lives easier. He was arguably at fault for City's first goal, as he allowed Gabriel Jesus to nod home at the near post.
The second goal was even worse, as Runnarson was beaten by a free-kick despite getting his hands to the ball. For the third, the Arsenal goalkeeper lost his head and came off his line too early, allowing Foden to chip with ease.
Runnarson truly had a horrific game, and this display won’t have done much to dislodge Bernd Leno as Arsenal's number 1.
#4 Manchester City belie their indifferent league form to score four
A lot of criticism as of late has been levelled at Pep Guardiola’s team, with many highlighting their inability to score goals. This season, Manchester City have only scored 19 goals in 13 league games, a tally far below their staggering standards.
However, against Arsenal, the reigning Carabao Cup champions belied their indifferent league form to score four. Although three of them were due to defensive mistakes, City still looked at their clinical best, converting four of their seven shots on target.
Whether Manchester City are able to translate this strike rate into the league or not remains to be seen though.
#3 Shkodran Mustafi continues to be poor for Arsenal
Over the past few years, no player has cost Arsenal more points or goals than Shkodran Mustafi. The former World Cup winner is comfortably one of the worst signings Arsenal have ever made, and the club's fans can’t wait for his contract to run out, as Mustafi was at fault for two Manchester City goals.
For Arsenal fans, his performance must be tough viewing, but if a player has consistently proved he’s a liability, why would the manager start him against one of the best attacks in the world?
The decision to play Mustafi is even more baffling, as the German’s contract expires in the summer and the fact that he rejected an extension offer. Fans would much rather see William Saliba make a mistake than endure Mustafi make one for the 100th time.
If it was the last time Mustafi donned an Arsenal shirt, fans may heave a sigh of huge relief.
#2 Aymeric Laporte impresses for Manchester City
Over the past few weeks, Aymeric Laporte has found himself on the bench for Manchester City.
Despite being the club’s best defender, Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he’s not happy with the Frenchman’s performances, opting to start John Stones ahead of him.
Against Arsenal, the 26-year-old got a chance to play his way back into the manager’s good books, and he did just that. In a commanding performance, Laporte made six clearances, won three duels, scored a goal and was not dribbled past once.
#1 Gabriel Martinelli makes a promising return to action
On Saturday, Ronaldo 2.0 made his return to first-team football with a substitute cameo at Goodison Park. Against Manchester City, Gabriel Martinelli made his first start in almost nine months.
In just 45 minutes, the Brazilian showed why Arsenal fans have been missing him so much. His energy was infectious, and his hunger to chase down loose balls inspired his teammates.
Despite being only 19 years of age, Martinelli set an example on the pitch, as he kept on closing down Manchester City’s defenders, which forced Alexandre Lacazette to do the same.
His key contribution in the game was an assist for Arsenal’s equaliser, with Martinelli chipping in a beautiful cross for Lacazette's header. The Brazilian’s 45-minute cameo was the only positive for Arsenal to take out of a dismal team performance.
