Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal: 5 Hits and Flops as Sterling strike secures all three points for Cityzens | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Flop - Video Assistant Referee

Kyle Walker's high-footed challenge on Gabriel

The video assistant referee (VAR) was already thrown into the spotlight following the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park where Jordan Pickford could have been sent off for a reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk.

Just before the half-time whistle was blown, the VAR baffled Arsenal fans after a high-foot by Kyle Walker on Gabriel in City's penalty box was not reviewed. Earlier in the day, a similar challenge by Andre Gomes on Sadio Mane warranted a yellow card and a free-kick. It was clear that there could have been a possible foul on the Arsenal defender and VAR should have at least reviewed the case.

Speaking on whether the incident could have resulted in a penalty for the North Londoners, former Arsenal player Sol Campbell commented:

"I think it is. I've seen them given. I think the players should have complained a little bit more."

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#2 Hit - Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka was a joy to watch

Fresh from his first international action for Gareth Southgate's team, Bukayo Saka impressed in this huge fixture. The 19-year-old midfielder created all sorts of trouble for Rodri and Kyle Walker down the left flank, and even came close to scoring an equaliser for the Gunners.

In Arsenal's lacklustre display today, Saka was the only bright spark. His constant threat on the counter earned the Gunners a couple of free-kicks in dangerous positions. Disappointingly, Mikel Arteta's side was unable to take advantage of them.

Bukayo Saka completed more take-ons in the first half (3) than the entire Man City team combined (2).

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 17, 2020

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#1 Flop - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Aubameyang has only scored once in the last five games

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mohamed Salah are busy scoring goals, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appears to be suffering from a goal drought. The Arsenal captain last scored on the opening matchday against Fulham and since then, he has not been on the scoresheet.

In a game where the Gunners had a couple of decent chances to level things up, Aubameyang failed to live up to his pedigree. The Gabosnese international's efforts either went wide or straight to Ederson.

His failure to test Ederson sufficiently meant that his team finished the game without a goal. As the captain, the 31-year-old has got to do much better in order for Arsenal to compete for the top four.

Throughout the match, the away home looked devoid of ideas and hardly found penetrating passes to split Manchester City's defence. Among the top eight clubs in the table standings, Arsenal have scored the fewest goals (8) and perhaps, it is time for Arteta to get a creative game-changer like Mesut Ozil on to the field.

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