On the set of a cool, crisp afternoon in Manchester, stood a heavyweight battle between Manchester City & Arsenal. The Citizens entered the game looking to extend their 12 game unbeaten streak, but stood in their way was Arsene Wenger’s men.
Arsenal’s record against the bigger teams, is absolutely horrendous. The Gunners were thumped 6-3 at the Eithad last season, with the Gunners aiming to not expose themselves too much in this game. Man City were considered easy favourites for this game, as Arsenal are renowned for failing to turn up against the big boys. It was time to prove the critics wrong here.
In the season of twists and turns, Arsenal dealt Man City with a huge sucker punch in their title quest, as Pellegrini’s men fell victim to Santi Cazorla and co. Arsene Wenger’s tactical masterpiece fended off Man City’s lethal duo Agüero & Silva, whilst netting two goals at the other end. A penalty won by Nacho Monreal, after Kompany brushed him aside, the ever so certain Mike Dean, pointed to the spot. Cazorla rifled the penalty into Joe Hart’s left corner of goal. It was one nil to the Arsenal.
Pellegrini urged his side on, as Man City attempted to attack the resilient Arsenal defensive line. Francis Coquelin demonstrated a fine performance as he sniffed out any danger, and isolated the articulate David Silva.
Later on into the second half, Alexis motored on through centrally right at the City defence, only to be mowed down. Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla retrieved the ball for a free kick about 30 yards out. The Spaniard whipped in an enticing ball only for Giroud to latch his head onto it to net Arsenal’s second. Much to the surprise of City’s Fernando, who was purely at fault for the goal conceded. Arsenal held on against the onslaught of Man City to end the game winning by 0-2. Away from home, Arsenal & Wenger demonstrated a huge step in the right direction, proving they can on their day, beat a high calibre side.
1. Central Cazorla
Arsenal faced the daunting prospect of Man City at the Eithad. With their combination of pace & power, Arsenal’s midfield trio of Coquelin, Ramsey and Cazorla were up against Brazilians, Fernando and Fernandinho. Cazorla was at the point of the midfield three, however he was instrumental on the back foot, then onto the counter attack. He distributed the ball superbly, making the transition from defence to attack effortlessly smooth.
Santi was absolutely phenomenal against Man City. The Spanish playmaker’s individual performance caught the eyes of many, as he spun the Man City players all over the park. He was fiery, passionate but elegant in his prowess. Standing at 5ft 6inches, Cazorla wasn’t afraid to slot in alongside Ramsey & Coquelin to deny Man City access into the Arsenal defence.
Santi Cazorla capped off a superb away performance at the Eithad, with a penalty in the first half. He then crossed into the penalty area for Giroud to head in close to Joe Hart. Santi Cazorla was a joy to watch in the centre of midfield. Cazorla is certainly responding to the competition in the squad, as he seeks to keep Özil out of the team. Click the page numbers below to see the rest of the article.Â