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Much of the build-up to Manchester City's game against Arsenal centred around the two teams' managers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta who are now rivals in the Premier League.
Their first league meeting of the new season started cautiously as neither team appeared willing to commit too many men forward. This feeling-out process was then emphatically broken by Manchester City when they took the lead through a Raheem Sterling strike in the 23rd minute.
Despite all the attacking talent on show, the game produced no more goals, though. Their solitary-goal win takes the Citizens up to tenth place in the league table, two points behind 6th-placed Arsenal.
On that note, here are five talking points from Manchester City's 1-0 Premier League win at home against Arsenal.
#5 Willian disappoints as a false 9 against Manchester City
When Arsenal's starting-XI for the Premier League game against Manchester City was announced, many thought that they finally got what they had been craving for: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang in the CF role.
For far too long, the best striker in the league had been suffering on the left-wing, having to track back opposing right-backs. Instead, Arteta continued his unpredictability streak and deployed Willian as a false 9 with Aubameyang still on the left.
Judging by the Brazilian’s overall performance, it’s safe to say that the manager's decision wasn’t justified.
Willian didn’t offer more than the likes of more capable forward options on the bench. This was an experiment from Arteta that many fans won’t want to see again.
#4 Sergio Aguero makes his much-awaited return
For the majority of this season, Manchester City have had to use makeshift strikers up front due to injuries to Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
During this period, Guardiola has used the likes of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres in the CF role but to no avail. However, the return of Aguero raised the spirits of everyone at Manchester City.
Having not kicked a ball in over 116 days, the Argentinean understandably wasn’t at his best against Arsenal.
Up against a game Gabriel Magalhaes, the 32-year-old completed 18 passes, created two chances, lost possession six times and attempted a shot. In the coming weeks, the legendary striker could get back to his near best, though.
#3 It’s Partey time
It’s been a while since Arsenal fans have been blessed with a big-money signing with real pedigree, but they saw one against Manchester City.
Nicolas Pepe cost the club a lot of money, but not many top clubs in Europe knew about him, unlike Thomas Partey who was on the radar of most big clubs. Against Manchester City, Ghana’s most famous footballer made his historic debut for the Gunners by coming on as a late substitute in the 83rd minute for the tiring Granit Xhaka.
With not much time to shine, the 27-year-old could only complete eight passes, win one duel and one tackle, intercept a pass and make a clearance while also managing to bag a yellow card. This short cameo would have nevertheless whetted the appetite of Arsenal fans, and they’ll hope to see more of their new signing in the near future.
#2 Raheem Sterling makes the difference for Manchester City
After pulling out of the England squad, Raheem Sterling was back in a Manchester City shirt against Arsenal.
The 25-year-old’s return to action was a welcome boost for Pep Guardiola as he was already without talisman Kevin De Bruyne. Sterling marked his return to the pitch with what he does best: score goals.
In a performance that saw him turn out to be his team’s most threatening outlet, the winger had 72 touches of the ball, completed 87% of his passes and 50% of his dribbles, created one chance and scored the only goal of the game.
Sterling wasn’t at his sharpest, but he still managed to be the difference between the two sides, which is what often separates the good from the elite.
#1 Bukayo Saka shines for Arsenal
There’s a reason why Bukayo Saka is in this year’s Golden Boy list. The 19-year-old is simply a level above his peers, and against Manchester City, he was Arsenal’s brightest spark in attack.
Deployed as an LWB in defence and as an LCM in attack, the youngster once again displayed his exceptional versatility in all areas of the pitch. When his teammates were scratching their heads for ideas, Saka stepped up and took the game by the scruff of the neck.
The England international continually attempted to run at Manchester City’s defence due to the often static movement of his teammates.
In another coming-of-age performance, Saka had 58 touches of the ball, produced three crosses, completed 75% of his take-on, won eight duels and created a chance. If the Gunners are still looking for a creative midfielder, then they should look no further than their homegrown solution.
