Arsenal e Manchester City made the first game of English Championship in 2022. This Saturday, playing at home, the Gunners they lost 2-1, in a match valid for the 21st round. Saka scored for the home team, while Mahrez and Rodri noted the goals of the Citizens.
Pep Guardiola’s men continue to lead the Premier League with 53 points, while Arsenal are in fourth place with 35.
City returns to the field next Friday, when they face Swindon Town, for the FA Cup. In the same competition, Arsenal visit Nottingham Forest on 9 January.
The game – Visitors tried to impose their game early on. On minute four, De bruyne rose in the area, Gabriel Jesus headed and the ball passed, taking paint off the crossbar. At another intersection, Sterling met Rúben Dias, who swerved out. Arsenal’s first dangerous arrival came at 16, with a shot by Martinelli, who was saved by Ederson.
The home team’s goal came at 31. In a good exchange of passes, Tierney fired Saka at the edge of the area, who finished it into the back of the net. The Gunners kept up the pressure. Martinelli took a long shot but missed his target. At the end of the first half, the Brazilian striker appeared again, this time getting rid of Laporte and Cancelo’s markings, hit the cross and the ball passed close to Ederson’s goal.
Right at the beginning of the final stage, Xhaka pulled Bernardo Silva’s shirt inside the area. The referee, who had not initially called a foul, reversed his decision after reviewing the VAR and awarded the penalty. In charge, Mahrez tied the game.
In the next move, there was almost an own goal. Laporte tried to retreat to Ederson, but covered his companion. Luckily for the defender, Aké saved on top of the line and Gabriel Martinelli, on the back, with an empty goal, kicked it out.
On minute 14, Gabriel Magalhães fouled fellow countryman Jesus, got the second yellow card and was sent off.
The visitors took advantage of their numerical advantage and turned the game around. At 46, in confusion inside the area, Rodri managed to finish and score City’s second goal.
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