Arsenal headed to the Etihad to take on Manchester City in a battle for third spot in the league.
Arsene Wenger’s side started the day three points ahead of the Citizens, knowing that a defeat would see them drop down to fourth position.
The Gunners could not have got off to a worse start, when Sergio Aguero opened the scoring with a fantastic strike and put the hosts up early on. But the lead lasted less than two minutes as Arsenal levelled the scores via an Olivier Giroud header. The Frenchman has struggled to find the back of the net of late, only scoring his third goal in 2016.
Kevin De Bruyne latched onto the ball in midfield and drove through the Arsenal defence just after the interval, beating four Arsenal defenders before releasing a venomous effort that beat Petr Cech at his near post. City looked in control of the game, but it was the Gunners’ turn to press and with just over 20 minutes left to play, they equalised yet again to bring the scores to 2-2. Alexis Sanchez finished calmly after some great interplay with Giroud.
City had a couple of good chances in the final 20 minutes but were unable to score another as the referee blew his whistle, with both teams sharing the points.
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 4: Barely had a save to make in the entire game. Could do little to prevent conceding the two goals.
Bacary Sagna – 5: Had very little defending to do as the majority of Arsenal’s attacks came from the opposite flank. He kept darting down the channels to provide support in attack.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7: Arguably one of his best performances in a City shirt. Made a number of vital interceptions and blocks to keep his side in the game.
Eliaquim Mangala – 3: Poor defending once again from the Frenchman. Did not man mark Giroud at all for the first equaliser and easily allowed him to lay it off to Sanchez for the second.
Gael Clichy – 5: Had a heart in mouth moment early on as his header back to Hart nearly ended in the back of the net. Was kept busy after Walcott came onto the pitch and struggled a bit against his former team mate. Did not do much going forward.
Fernando – 6: Strong midfield presence alongside Fernandinho as they held the midfield perfectly and denied Arsenal space.
Fernandinho – 6.5: Was solid defensively as well as going forward. Cut out Arsenal’s threat with important interceptions and tackles in midfield.
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Kevin De Bruyne – 8: Continued his outstanding form in the league and scored with an incredible solo effort from just outside the box to give his side the lead for the second time. Passed the ball very well and combined beautifully with Aguero. Nearly got his second with a free kick towards the end.
Jesus Navas – 6.5: The Spaniard bombed down the right-wing and delivered a few dangerous crosses but to no avail. Was replaced by Wilfried Bony as City went in search of a winner.
Kalechi Iheanacho – 4: The Nigerian youngster had a disappointing outing as he failed to replicate his recent form. Struggled against the Gunners who refused to allow him any space. Was replaced by Raheem Sterling in the second half.
Sergio Aguero – 7: Opened the scoring with a superb goal, his 24th of the season. Looked eager to get on the ball whenever possible and even preferred dropping a bit deeper to try and conjure up an attack.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling – 5: Came on for Iheanacho but was almost as disappointing as the starlet. Had a couple of good moments on the ball but was ineffective.
Wilfried Bony – 6: Came the closest to scoring the winner after his well taken volley came off the crossbar.
Yaya Toure – 5: Still looked a bit unfit but the Ivorian did his best to help his side get the lead back.
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