The Etihad played host to what could have been a title-deciding thriller in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as Manchester City and Arsenal battled it out.
But which ‘genius’ is now the heartbeat of his title-chasing side? Who put in a ‘monstrous’ showing? And who was uncharacteristically ‘erratic’ in the Gunners defence?
With the Gunners six points clear at the top of the table, City needed a win to put them in charge in the title race, given they still have a game in hand. They got just that.
In a thriller of a game, a piece of magic from Rayan Cherki put City ahead, until their goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, cost them 108 seconds later.
As the City man tried to play out from the back, he was closed down by Kai Havertz, who intercepted to score. Erling Haaland, though, had the last laugh, netting a truly vital deciding goal to now give City the edge in the race to be crowned champions.
Daily Mail Sport’s JACK GAUGHAN and ISAAN KHAN were at the Etihad to rate the players.
Rayan Cherki (right) and Erling Haalnd (left) were on the scoresheet for Manchester City as they beat Arsenal in a crunch Premier League game
Pep Guardiola’s side are now arguably favourites to beat Arsenal to the title of champions
Man City (4-2-3-1)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6
Whilst the throw was unhelpful, a horrible mistake for Havertz’s equaliser. Levelled it up with a terrific stop from Havertz later.
Matheus Nunes – 7
His throw to Donnarumma ought to have been better but largely excellent otherwise. Defended well and key intervention for the opener.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 7
Uncharacteristically nervous start before really growing into the game. Stepped out from the back with confidence.
Marc Guehi – 7.5
One major lapse aside, one of his best displays since the January move. Composed when others around struggled and covered smartly.
Nico O’Reilly (right) shone at left back going forwards and backwards and set up City’s first
Nico O’Reilly – 8.5
Never a surprise when he steps up to occasions these days. Another compelling performance going both ways.
Bernardo Silva – 9
Monstrous second-half. Slowed the game down at important moments, particularly as Arsenal gained control around the hour mark. And then that lung-busting cover with Havertz.
Rodri – 8
Hugely dominant in the air for City during a highly competitive midfield battle. Top run into the box to discombobulate Arsenal for Erling Haaland’s goal.
Antoine Semenyo – 5
Just not at the races. First touch deserted him, overhit key passes. Didn’t lack endeavour but end product not good enough.
Rayan Cherki – 8.5
Genius goal from a genius playmaker. The heartbeat of this City team now and plays at his own tempo.
Jeremy Doku – 7
Threatening on the left wing. Some strong work in the middle third and then the little pass for O’Reilly in engineering the second.
Erling Haaland – 8.5
Massive game. Shirt in ribbons from the tussling with Gabriel. Instinctive finish for the second. A real No 9’s shift.
Rayan Cherki is now the heartbeat of the Manchester City team and scored a magical goal
Subs
Phil Foden (for Cherki, 85)
Savinho (for Doku, 88)
Nico Gonzalez (for Rodri, 88)
Nathan Ake (for Semenyo, 90)
Manager
Pep Guardiola – 7
Lived every moment on the touchline. Wanted to find out what his new players were made of and received a decent answer.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – 6
A nervy start, which saw the Spaniard nearly robbed of the ball by Erling Haaland. He recovered, keeping alert to Man City’s many attacks. But conceded twice.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Hung in there, riding through the difficulties of marking Jeremy Doku. Wasn’t helped by Noni Madueke’s failure to help with defensive duties.
William Saliba – 6.5
Tasked with marking Haaland and largely did a good job. Kept a cool head, unlike his fellow centre back.
Gabriel – 5
A poor day indeed. Erratic, held off by Haaland on Man City’s second goal and lucky to not be sent-off for nudging his head at Haaland.
Gabriel (left) had a poor day in the Arsenal defence and was lucky not to be sent off
Piero Hincapie – 7
Made a difference at the back. Aggressive in challenges and would not take a step back. Rose to the big occasion.
Martin Odegaard – 6
A couple of decent attacking passes in second period, including one to set up Eze’s strike. Yet, not the leading performance of a skipper.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
Absent throughout. Overran in the middle and often chasing the game. Wilted on a day his team needed him.
Declan Rice – 7
What a workhorse. Played in an advanced position further up the pitch but still managed to sweep in with tackles. Impressive engine as usual.
Noni Madueke – 5.5
Really poor first-half, which saw him hooked at half-time. Failed to make in-roads when he got the ball in final third.
Kai Havertz – 7.5
A fine centre forward’s display. Brought his team-mates into the game, held the ball up well and scored through closing down the opposition goalkeeper – but did miss a golden opportunity at the end.
Eberechi Eze – 6.5
The X-factor in Arsenal’s line up. Limited effect in first period — before striking the post on 61 minutes with a sublime left-footed shot. So close.
Arteta again walked away defeated by Guardiola – and currently finds his season in disarray
Subs
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Ben White – N/A
Leandro Trossard – N/A
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 5.5
Played with an exciting line-up — but walks away defeated, again by Pep Guardiola. His campaign is in disarray.
