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Manchester City seem to have taken their 2021/22 Premier League opener loss against Tottenham Hotspur to their hearts. The reigning champions, after losing 0-1 against Spurs, went on to score ten goals in their next two games.
While last week they wreaked havoc against Norwich City, this time it was a muddled Arsenal team on the receiving end. As of now, Pep Guardiola's side sit 5th in the Premier League table and possess the highest GD (9) of all. All this in the absence of their star man — Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola's tactics are working just fine as City's attackers have gone all guns blazing. While we've got to admit Arteta's Arsenal this term looks far beyond fitting into the Premier League's 'Big Six', we cannot deny Manchester City's domination.
With a thumping 5-0 loss away from home, Arsenal have managed to register a few records of their own. However, none to be proud of.
- Failing to win each of their three opening games of a top-flight season without scoring for the first time in the club’s history.
- Failed to secure a single shot on target in a PL game for the first time since MD37 of the 2019/20 season.
- Arsenal is only two of the 92 teams in the football league have played 3+ league games this season and are yet to score. The other team being Shrewsbury Town.
Without further ado, let's take a look at Manchester City's top five players from GW 3 of the Premier League.
#5 Jack Grealish
Just three outings in the Sky Blue shirt and Jack Grealish already looks well-set within the Manchester City squad. While last week against Norwich, the former Aston Villa captain registered his first goal for the club, this week he went on to register his first-ever assist.
Having graced the pitch with his presence for the entire 90 minutes, Grealish exploited the left flank and the space left empty by Arsenal's red-carded player Granit Xhaka.
The 25-year-old ran dangerously into the opposition's box right before half-time to wriggle past four red and white players before finding an unmarked Gabriel Jesus.
#4 Rodri
The Spaniard once again did what he does the best — dictated the game from the center of the park. Being constantly on his toes and covering every bit of grass, Rodri's heatmap could cover the entirety of the pitch.
By the time Rodri scored the fourth Manchester City goal, Arsenal were already down and with their spirits flown out of the window. The Manchester City number 16 completed a total of 100 passes (the most) before the final whistle.
However, his goal was arguably the most stunning from the lot. Torres teed the ball up beautifully to Rodri, who curled it past Leno into the bottom right corner from outside the box.
#3 İlkay Gündoğan
The man with the captain's armband once again led his side, Manchester City, to a sensational victory. Having opened the scoreline in the 7th minute with a fine header, Gündoğan, made sure his team maintained their aggression.
Having made several trademark runs into the final third, the German managed to leave the Arsenal players stranded on numerous occasions. He was also successful in testing Leno in three instances with one finding the back of the net.
İlkay Gündoğan managed to keep his passing accuracy well above 90% and also had a fair share in chance creation.
#2 Gabriel Jesus
Another day, another fine performance for the Brazilian. With his assist to İlkay Gündoğan's opener, Gabriel Jesus moved up to second spot with three assists off three games, behind Manchester United's Paul Pogba (5).
He also fired past the already hurt Bernd Leno in the 43rd minute to bag Manchester City's 3rd. If it wasn't for Ferran Torres' heroics, Gabriel Jesus would undoubtedly have been City's best player for consecutive gameweeks.
However, by the way he played, we can be certain, should he have played the entire 90 minutes, the Brazilian had more tricks up his sleeves.
Pep Guardiola signaled his number 9 to get off the pitch in order to give him some rest, in the 61st minute, and to make way for Riyad Mahrez.
#1 Ferran Torres
Four shots, two goals, one assist and a fine evening at the Etihad handed Ferran Torres the Man of the Match award.
When he signed for Manchester City last year, many doubted his decision as the club was crowded with talented players and it was feared the former Valencia man would be wasting his youth days warming the bench.
However, Pep maintained his trust in the youngster and made him a part of his regular team. And now, the former Barca manager has found his new attacking spearhead in the 21-year-old following Aguero's departure.
Torres had a day to remember against Arsenal. The Spaniard was directly involved in three of Manchester City's 5 goals by bagging a brace (12', 84') and setting up Rodri.
