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Emery's first game didn't go quite as well as he may have planned, owing to yet another convincing performance from and ever improving Manchester City team under Pep Guardiola. The difference between the sides was visible, and Emery has a lot of thinking to do. Here are 5 key takeaways from the game:
Clinical City take their chances
City on the night were just far superior and far more clinical with their play, and it didn't take them long to get off the mark. Sterling got the ball on the left flank and cut inside past two defenders before unleashing a fine shot which caught out an unsighted Petr Cech. Aguero ought to have doubled his lead in the second half when he was presented a gift by Guendouzi. He was up against Cech and the veteran keeper did exceptionally well to deny City's top scorer. Kevin de Bruyne was undeniably in a more promising position, and perhaps the Argentine should have just squared the ball to his compatriot. However, City did not rue the missed opportunity for long, as Bernado Silva soon got on the end of a Mendy cut-back and smashed the ball home.
Promising signs for Arsenal in an overall disappointing evening
The skeptics will undoubtedly come out and say not much has changed under Emery so far, and they're right! The man has only been in-charge of the club for a little over a couple of months. He needs time and backing, especially given the fact that there were some promising signs in which was an otherwise disappointing evening. There were spells in the game where the Gunners had put City on the back foot with intelligent pressing and intricate passing. City were just more clinical at the end of the day. Don't forget, that in the same fixture last season Arsenal were done and dusted by half time at 3-0 down. There was energy in this Arsenal team and on the touchline. The team needs some work organisationally, and that will come with more games. Next week they go again, against bitter London rivals Chelsea. It will certainly not be surprising if Arsenal look a much improved side at Stamford Bridge.
Menacing Mahrez dazzles
Riyad Mahrez was a menace on the right flank for Manchester City, causing Lichtsteiner all sorts of problems. He also unleashed a wicked strike from a free-kick, which Cech did well to palm away. It appears that the Algerian will be able to emulate his stunning Leicester performances at Manchester City. However, Mahrez has to stay on his toes, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Bernado Silva and Gabriel Jesus all vying for similar roles in the team. He was given a brief reminder of that when he was substituted in the 58th minute for Kevin de Bruyne. He has lesser room for error than he did at Leicester.
Defence still a worry for Arsenal
Bellerin hasn't had the most convincing pre-season, Mustafi is still prone to the occasional error and Sokratis looks a little immobile at times. But above all, the-left back position is probably the biggest cause for concern. Kolasinac is facing a spell on the sidelines and even with Nacho Monreal fit, while he is generally dependable, it cannot be denied that he's not always convincing; especially when up against pace and trickery. Ainsley Maintland-Niles is always a good back-up, but is he competent enough to push for a starting role ahead of Monreal. If yes, does he have the potential to be a world class left-back, rather than just an above average makeshift one. Not to forget that this is not even is preferred position. A lot of questions still remain unanswered.
City showcase squad depth
Manchester City's squad depth is well known, and quite scary for other teams, and it was on display here. As a matter of fact, City seem to have 2-3 world class options for every position. The likes of Vincent Kompany, Nicholas Otamendy, Fabian Delph, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus did not start today, and David Silva didn't travel with the squad. Pep Guardiola is clearly spoilt for choice, and has to make the most of it throughout the season. The only area where City might, perhaps, be considered light is central midfield, with Fernandinho the only preferred defensive midfielder. Nevertheless, Ilkay Gundogan and Fabian Delph are perfectly capable of filling that role should the need arise, and Manchester City really can't complain. They seem to be as good and irresistible as they were last season.
