Arsenal 1-4 Manchester City: Hits and Flops as City heap more misery on misfiring Gunners | Carabao Cup 2020-21

#3 Hit: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

A masterful display from the City youngster, who bagged a goal and an assist

This was yet another sparkling display from City’s heir to David Silva. Foden put in a display reminiscent of the Spanish magician as he scored one and set up another in his side’s comfortable win.

Like Fernandinho, Foden was left on the bench against Southampton at the weekend. He spent the first half showcasing his short passing skills, linking up well with his fellow attackers as City dominated possession.

It was in the second half that the young Englishman burst into life. He scored his side’s third goal with a delightful chipped finish from the angle after his intelligent run down the left flank had been spotted by Fernandinho.

⭐ Phil Foden has scored 20 goals in all competitions for @ManCity since September 2018 (when he scored his first goal for the club). Among PL players, that’s the most by an English midfielder over that period pic.twitter.com/aypVhXMhdb

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 22, 2020

Foden then turned provider for City’s fourth, sending a sumptuous ball into the box from a short corner that was begging to be headed in. Aymeric Laporte duly obliged with the finishing touch.

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#4 Flop: Shokdran Mustafi (Arsenal)

Another disappointing outing for Mustafi (L) as City took full advantage of Arsenal's defensive confusion

The German international’s defensive displays have been called into question on a number of occasions during his time with Arsenal, and this outing against City will do him no favours.

Mustafi was given a tough time by Gabriel Jesus on the night. He was found wanting as early as the third minute as he failed to track the Brazilian striker’s darting near-post run for the opening goal.

Jesus’ fondness for drifting out onto the left flank seemed to cause all sorts of issues between Mustafi and Cedric, with neither Arsenal defender able to agree upon who would mark the Brazilian.

Mustafi even picked up a first half booking for clumsily tackling Jesus before his poor positioning was highlighted once again for City’s third goal. Phil Foden ran into acres of space down Arsenal’s right flank before dispatching a neat finish past Runarsson.

With calls for his Arsenal exit growing ever stronger as another transfer window nears, performances like these will definitely not help Mustafi’s cause.

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#5 Hit: Fernandinho (Manchester City)

Fernandinho's excellent performance in midfield gave City a platform on which they built for the win

Drafted into the starting lineup after spending the weekend’s win over Southampton as an unused substitute, Fernandinho served up yet another reminder of why he remains such a valued member of the City squad even at the age of 35.

The veteran midfielder brought calmness and experience to the Manchester City midfield. He served as the perfect link between defence and attack for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Fernandinho's excellent reading of the game allowed him to be in the right place at the right time on a number of occasions. He made a series of important interceptions to thwart several Arsenal attacks, while his clever passing helped set up several attacks for his own side as well.