Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Defensive trio make huge impact but Bukayo Saka suffers

Mikel Arteta gameplan reaps reward of a point in Manchester

Arsenal stayed above Manchester City in the Premier League as they played out a hard-fought draw at Etihad Stadium.

The Gunners were knocked off top spot before kick-off after Liverpool defeated Brighton in Sunday’s early game.

Arsenal still possess a miserable record at the Etihad and, before this draw, had lost their last eight visits.

But they dug deep to play out a goalless draw, which means they are second in the league and two points off leaders Liverpool.

Simon Collings was at the Etihad to deliver his Arsenal player ratings...

David Raya 6

Kicking was a bit off early on as Arsenal struggled with City’s press. Called into action less than you’d expect in a game of this magnitude.

Ben White 8

Caused problems when he got forward on the overlap and created two good chances in the first-half. Defensively excellent against Phil Foden, too.

William Saliba 7

Nervy in the opening stages, particularly in possession. Grew in composure as the game went on.

Gabriel 8 | Star player

Had a great battle with Erling Haaland and was able to match his physicality. Made countless blocks and tackles. A warrior at the back.

REUTERS

Jakub Kiwior 6

Looked a bit shaky early on, but got better as the game wore on. Taken off with just over an hour gone.

Martin Odegaard 7

Usually his side’s chief playmaker, had to settle for working a lot without the ball today. Pressed City’s defence like a man possessed at times.

Jorginho 7

Got through a lot of dirty work in the midfield, especially as Arsenal dug in early on. His experience will be vital in the run-in.

Declan Rice 8

Like Jorginho, put in a big shift as the Gunners had little of the ball in the first-half. Played deeper than he has recently. Broke up play so well.

Produced one great moment in the second-half, but Jesus couldn’t turn in his cross. Other than that, was quiet. Perhaps not fully fit?

Kai Havertz 6

Played very deep as Arsenal sat in. When he could, gave his side a decent outlet on the counter.

Gabriel Jesus 6

Had Arsenal’s best chances of the game, including two in the first-half. A surprise starter on the left flank, but was lively.

Substitutions

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Kiwior 66’) 6

Came on to stop the threat of Jeremy Doku and was solid

Thomas Partey (Jorginho 66’) 5

Still working his way back to full fitness and rusty at times.

Leandro Trossard (Jesus 72’) N/A

Gabriel Martinelli (Saka 78’) N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Zinchenko, Vieira, Smith Rowe and Nketiah.

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