Manchester City 5-0 Arsenal: Hits and flops as rampant City put 10-man Arsenal to the sword | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Hit: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

Gabriel Jesus bagged a goal and an assist in a sparkling performance

Given Manchester City’s well-publicised pursuit of a striker this summer, Gabriel Jesus’ apparent desire to play out wide has raised more than a few eyebrows. However, the Brazilian’s sparkling display against Arsenal would go some way to silencing his doubters.

Jesus registered an early assist with an excellent cross floated in from his position on the right of City’s fluid front three. He continued to cause the Arsenal defence problems on the flank, but occasionally drifted inside to great effect, as his well-taken goal proved.

Gabriel Jesus created more chances (4) than any other player on the pitch against Arsenal in the first half.And he was directly involved in two of City's three goals. pic.twitter.com/kNzi94Zkew

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 28, 2021

Having earned just rewards for his tireless efforts, Jesus earned well-deserved rest when he was replaced by Mahrez on the hour mark.

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#2 Flop: Cedric Soares (Arsenal)

Cedric Soares (right) had a torrid time on the pitch against Manchester City.

With Hector Bellerin out of favour, Cedric Soares appeared to have established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back at the start of the season. However, the Portuguese international’s disastrous showing against Manchester City might prompt Arteta to alter his plans.

Playing in a fairly new wing-back role, Cedric had the unenviable task of keeping tabs on Jack Grealish and Joao Cancelo. This task was one he struggled with immensely, as both players regularly left him trailing in their wake. Things did not improve much for Cedric when Raheem Sterling was introduced in the second half either.

After he was booked for fouling Grealish in the first half, Cedric failed to clear his lines in the build-up to City’s second. He was noticeably absent when Grealish ran through to set up their third and played a role to play in their fourth as well.

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#1 Hit: Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

Ilkay Gundogan delivered a masterful midfield performance in his side's dominant win.

Since making the switch to England, Ilkay Gundogan has established himself as an excellent passer and a scorer of key goals. He showcased both these qualities against Arsenal in an excellent display in City’s midfield on Saturday.

It was the German who got the ball rolling for Pep Guardiola’s men, ghosting in behind the Arsenal defence to power home a header. He looked utterly calm and unhurried throughout, with Rodri offering ample defensive cover and Bernardo Silva supplying the energy around him.

If fit, Gundogan is likely to once again be a key part of whatever success Manchester City could achieve this season.