Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City: 5 Hits and Flops

As the final game of the opening weekend kicked, City began their defence of the league is the most authoritative manner.

Understandably things were a bit different for the home side, Arsenal as they played their first game under Unai Emery.

The changes have been ushered, at the Emirates and despite the apprehensions; the Spaniard seems to have stamped his authority.

While there would be questions about Arsenal staying too deep and waiting to play on the counter, it was City who made full use of the spaces they got to run into.

There were splendid performances from the Citizens all over the pitch. And at times, it seemed that the squad has just picked up the same pace as they ended it last season when they blazed their way to a century of points.

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#1 Hit: Smashing Sterling scores a stunner

It was a mature performance from the English forward

One of the biggest gains for Manchester City last season was the consistency for Sterling. For years, Sterling has had the pace and the trickery, but it was his play in the final third that needed improvement. Guardiola has invested a lot in the Englishman, having used theatrics and other methods to ensure that Sterling reaches his potential.

Guardiola has been a staunch defender of the English winger and it was only apt that Sterling would open the scoring.

In fact, the play was so smooth that for a moment, there was a doubt on the City bench if the ball had actually gone in. No doubt it was a goal worthy of a Champion side and Sterling just laid down the marker.

And as the game progressed he seemed to exert his influence more as he looked to combine with the rampaging full backs.

From slipping in Aguero to spotting runs of his team-mate, it was a mature performance from the English forward.

Arsenal may feel that they should have done better but credit must be given to Sterling for having the temerity to skip past three defenders before using the onrushing Arsenal defenders as a shield to curl the ball away from Cech.

The Czech keeper’s vision was blocked and by the time, he had the chance to see the ball, it was already nestling in his net.

#2 Flop: Riyad Mahrez splutters

Mahrez may end up playing a bit part role over the course of this season

Such are the standards of this City side, that a player like Mahrez may end up playing a bit part role over the course of this season. And it is up to the Algerian to make himself a regular in the starting line-up.

Despite the presence of last season’s, PFA Young Player of the Year, Leroy Sane on the bench, Guardiola chose to go with the Algerian.

Whether it was Guardiola bedding in the new signing or whether it was to give some rest to Sane ahead of the Tuesday/Saturday or Wednesday/Sunday schedule only time will tell. Mahrez though did his best to impress.

He fired in two really well placed-shots only to be denied by some quick reflexes of the keeper, which on any other day would have been a goal.

But it was not to be and Mahrez was hooked off at the hour mark as he made way for Kevin De Bruyne.

The Algerian combined well with Walker down his flank and as the season progresses one hopes to see more of this duo.

#3 Hit: Laporte shows his skills

Laporte was a threat at both ends of the pitch

As far as defenders go across the world of football, Laporte is probably up among one of the best of them.

But the French have so much of talent at their disposal that a player of Laporte’s caliber his yet to wear the Les Blues jersey.

City though was pretty sure of what they were getting and what they wanted when they forked out 57 million for the defender last winter.

Laporte though is looking to cement his place in the starting eleven having made only nine appearances last season as he acclimatized to English conditions.

But here on opening day, he announced himself. As early as the third he could have been easily booked for a rash lunge on Aubameyang but the referee chose to ignore that and Laporte was relieved.

Thereafter, he unleashed the left foot of his as he pinged accurate passes on to his team-mates.

The pick being the 70-yard switch towards the end half to pick out Mahrez. The Frenchman had a chance to get on the score-sheet as well, but Cech was quickly off his line despite being on the ground having kept out Mahrez’s low drive just a second earlier.

The absence of Otamendi meant that Laporte started alongside Stones in central defense and one could see the way they provided the platform from which City relentlessly exploited every Arsenal mistake.

#4 Flop: Aguero will rue the chances

Aguero's clever movement troubled the Arsenal defense

Just after the hour mark, there was a chance for City to settle the game. A harmless highball that should have been cut out was missed by Guendouzi completely and the Argentinean was upon it in a flash.

In fact, it seemed time had stood still as Aguero took his time, stumbled and then controlled the ball before firing off a shot that Cech somehow managed to turn away.

A good piece of keeping indeed and would have counted had Arsenal conceded moments later.

Aguero despite failing to score was off the blocks the quickest and a deft touch as early as the ninth minute almost set up the City opener. Thereafter, there was a reverse ball, that was cut out by Bellerin.

Throughout the game, Aguero kept on getting into positions but was unable to apply the finish that mattered.

The Argentinean will be aware of Guardiola’s preference for a mobile striker and here Aguero showed signs of adaptation.

But one feels, if the Argentinean is to be at his most lethal best, then his natural positioning and style of play will be more beneficial to this City team.

#5 Bernardo Silva seals the victory

Bernardo Silva was declared the Player of the Match, as he capped off a fine individual performance

The Portuguese midfielder is one of the players to watch out this season according to various pundits.

And it seems that Silva is going to live up to those expectations based on the opening day’s performance. The nimble winger made inroads and troubled the likes of Xhaka and Bellerin constantly.

The goal to double City’s lead was a beauty as the Portuguese swiveled sublimely onto a ball which was played a touch behind him by Mendy before belting it past Cech, who didn’t have a chance.

Silva’s role was recognized at the end of the game as he was chosen as the player of the match.

The beauty of the goal was the manner in which the Portuguese checked his movement to get onto the ball, the dart, the swivel and the finish all a part of one smooth movement which made it a delight to watch.

Other teams can offer only admiring glances at some of the talents that City possess and Bernardo looks like a player out to prove his merit.

When asked about the goal, Silva was pretty happy to discuss the impact of the game rather than the finish as he acknowledged that was the point when City had some element of comfort in the game. With David Silva ageing, City wouldn’t mind Bernardo stepping up as Guardiola looks to go a level up this season.