Man City 0-0 Arsenal - Player Ratings and Match Reaction

[HCZ_Reborn]

Raya 6 - His kicking was Bobbins, but he made himself big at defending set pieces


White 7 - Did well getting forward, must admit never been a fan of him as a full back but he’s made that position his own


Saliba 7 - Grew into the game


Gabriel 8 - Saliba had Haaland in his back pocket for the home game, it was Gabriel’s turn this time


Kiwior 6.5 - Run ragged defensively and had little impact going forward but probably have to factor in he had extra time and pels against the Taffs mid week


Odegaard 7 - Chances were limited


Jorginho 7.5 - His experience and maturity are invaluable


Rice 7 - Good defensively but had far less impact on the attacking side of the game


Saka 5 - Looked every bit a player that was an injury doubt until today


Havertz 6 - Ended up playing too deep


Jesus 5 - Looked every bit the player who has managed only 15 league goals since we signed him


Subs


Tomiyasu 7 - More energy than Kiwior


Partey 5 - Looked every bit a player that’s not started a game since last August


Trossard 7 - Got stars and a potential headline in his eyes when he was put through on goal, possibly could have squared it


Martinelli 6 - Rusty


This game reminded me of the Battle of Old Trafford in 2003 without the Drama, the character and hard work was there even if the confidence and flair was not.

If Arteta has a brain in his head he will make a point of telling these players how proud he is of them (I mean shit I’m proud of them) because the hard work was there to see. If we were able to combine that with ruthless attacking Verve we’d absolutely smack teams about.

It’s really hard to get the balance right, took city a lot of dodgily accounted for spending to get it right

What I wanted was a sign, any sign that we can stand up and be counted when it matters and getting a draw from our hardest fixture in the run in was a sign.

[Marc Overmars]

Nothing but positive things to say about that. A+ for effort and concentration, an Arsenal team going to City and looking like they belong on the pitch? It’s been a while.

If we don’t win the league it will be because of the forwards and their powder puff nature.

[The Wengerbabies]

Odegaard was shit.

[Niall_Quinn]

That was the best I've seen the team play in years, maybe a decade. They gave those tippety-tap bastards NOTHING. The big girl with the ponytail up front got NOTHING. And the legend Pep spent the whole afternoon hitting his head against a brick wall. It's no small thing to stop his money machine coring a goal. And we should have had a couple but for woeful finishing. Don't know if this team can win the league, but I do know this team is finally a team. Been a long time coming. Suppose we're losing to Brighton next week then? Just don't even go there.

[HCZ_Reborn]

That was the best I've seen the team play in years, maybe a decade. They gave those tippety-tap bastards NOTHING. The big girl with the ponytail up front got NOTHING. And the legend Pep spent the whole afternoon hitting his head against a brick wall. It's no small thing to stop his money machine coring a goal. And we should have had a couple but for woeful finishing. Don't know if this team can win the league, but I do know this team is finally a team. Been a long time coming. Suppose we're losing to Brighton next week then? Just don't even go there.

Crikey that’s a reasonable statement.

[Niall_Quinn]

Odegaard was shit.

He was immense. I was watching him all forst half and was thinking, theres no way he can keep this up. And he did drop a bit in the second half, but not by much. Wasn't a day for him to be unlocking defences, it was a day for him to cover every blade of grass and he did it. Was also watching him issue instructions throughout the game, a proper captain's performance from him. This is the Ethiad, the richest collection of players ever assembled with the richest collection of backups ever assembled. Sky (who are biased as fuck) mentioned a stat about them scoring in every home game since 2021. Well not today. Mainly because Odegard and Jesus and Haevertz and White and Saliba and Gabriel and all the rest of them were a machine. It was quite incredible watching them resume their shape and move it left and right and cut off any avenue for, supposedly, the best team in the world to create a chance. I started watching the game thinking we were the underdogs. I ended up laughing at the prospect of the gypos getting a sniff. Sky are such arseholes. If you look at the first half stats we had 28% possession, or something like that, but created twice as many chances and had more meaningful possession in the box. Sky flashed up the stats and the commentators never mentioned it. The, in the seocnd half, a few minutes in, the gypos finally managed to create a chance or two. And the commentator were all over it. Gypos dominating! But not enough that they culd get a clean trike on goal. Even once. Odegard drove that for the whole 90 minutes. It was an epic performance.

[Mac76]

Agree with NQ re Odegaard and how he drove our performance

Am only slightly frustrated with the thought of those two corners Rice wasted in the second half

One thing I'd also say is that we are lucky Anthony Taylor largely kept his cards in his pocket, it allowed ua to get about Citeh and break their game up a bit, especially in the first half

[HCZ_Reborn]

Agree with NQ re Odegaard and how he drove our performance

Am only slightly frustrated with the thought of those two corners Rice wasted in the second half

One thing I'd also say is that we are lucky Anthony Taylor largely kept his cards in his pocket, it allowed ua to get about Citeh and break their game up a bit, especially in the first half

Balances things up given Michael Oliver let Kovacic get away with murder in the game at the Emirates

[dazthegooner]

Also Sky mentioned the anniversary of David 'Rocky Rocastle mentioning he was in the team that beat an exceptional Liverpool side at Anfield 2-0 in one of the greatest climaxes to a league season though had to slip in Aguero's against the mighty QPR.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Also Sky mentioned the anniversary of David 'Rocky Rocastle mentioning he was in the team that beat an exceptional Liverpool side at Anfield 2-0 in one of the greatest climaxes to a league season though had to slip in Aguero's against the mighty QPR.

March 31st 2001.

Fans sang his name in the stands for years after

He’d have been 57 in May.

[Mac76]

Also Sky mentioned the anniversary of David 'Rocky Rocastle mentioning he was in the team that beat an exceptional Liverpool side at Anfield 2-0 in one of the greatest climaxes to a league season though had to slip in Aguero's against the mighty QPR.

He did although he kind of acknowledged the Liverpool game was more noteworthy

As we all know QPR were safe at that point so had basically stopped playing, which makes Citeh's achievement less significant

Bte I remember seeing a phone video on Twitter from the QPR fans area, (which was behind the goal where Citeh scored the decisive goal) and they were all cheering on Citeh because they didn't want Man Ure to win the title :lol:

[HCZ_Reborn]

He did although he kind of acknowledged the Liverpool game was more noteworthy

As we all know QPR were safe at that point so had basically stopped playing, which makes Citeh's achievement less significant

Bte I remember seeing a phone video on Twitter from the QPR fans area, (which was behind the goal where Citeh scored the decisive goal) and they were all cheering on Citeh because they didn't want Man Ure to win the title :lol:

Yep 100%

I think on any level going to the home of the Champions where no one had won by two goals in almost a decade. And we certainly hadn’t won there in years and needing to win 2-0. Is a far bigger achievement than a late winner against ten man QPR, who were only in front because City shat the bed through nerves.

May 26th was less than six weeks after April 15th…the whole country wanted Liverpool to win the title because of what had happened, outside of rags like the Sun there was solidarity amongst fans because the idea of going to a football game and never coming back was something recognised could happen to any fan base if a match wasn’t properly officiated.

No one expected us to do what we did no one, despite his bravado I doubt even George Graham expected it

[dazthegooner]

March 31st 2001.

Fans sang his name in the stands for years after

He’d have been 57 in May.

Went to the Spuds home game shortly after he passed and during the minutes silence there wasn't a murmur from them (actually think someone tried to but was quickly shut down) showed that even rivalries are put aside during moments like this.

[Niall_Quinn]

Sorry guys, but is this actually what we get from that game? Rocastle? Good player and all, and he died. everyone dies. At some point. Me personally, I never spend a moment thinking about the fact he died, same as all of you. Not even a second. Unless somebody brings it up. Then I do the thing. Except I don't. I couldn't give a flying fuck that Rocastle is dead. Same as you. Doesn't mean I have anything against him. Doesn't mean I'm a bad person. Just means I'm honest. Be honest. Sad he died, but we did that already, didn't we? How many millions have died since Rocastle? And they all meant something to somebody.

Well I mourned my own and I don't have space for somebody I never knew. Sorry. Real life and all that.

And now, back to the game. Anything relevant to add?

[Niall_Quinn]

So, anyway, it was said 12 months ago that if we take 4 points off the leaders instead of losing 6 points, we'd win the league. We just completed taking 4 points from the Romanies and 4 points from the hub-cap nickers. So I'm predicting we'll win it because we met the criteria. Having watched what I watched, which is not all of it or even close, admittedly, I would now say the stats prove we are the best team in his league. 9 games to go to make that a fact and just because Liverpool are leading now doesn't mean all challenges have played out in full. The stats show we are clearly the best. Would be a shame to take all that good work and blow it. I'm going for a title win. The numbers add up.

[Niall_Quinn]

It was so nice to see Gabriel do a Keown impersonation. People just don't get how the past can shape the future. The way he bullied that weird ponytail bloke who, admittedly is a world class striker, was a rare event over the past decade. Xhaka brought some of that. Now we seem to have it across the team. Don't underestimate this crucial development. Damn, how long did I have to wait?

[IBK]

Late to the party, but on Sunday afternoon we showed we have grown up and I was delighted that we neutered City so effectively. Arteta was pragmatic in his approach and for Gooners if not for neutral fans that was far better to see than our naive approach at the Etihad last season. That said, it speaks to the team's development that in the cold light of day I feel disappointed that our forwards - Odegard apart - were disappointing and did not match the performances of our defence.

Re the OP, our players coming back did indeed look rusty (Tomiyasu the exception?), and this was to be expected. But I actually saw some good touches from Partey amongst the bad, while I was most disappointed in Jesus who for me looked overwhelmed by the occasion. It's ironic to think that if we manage to win the league it will have been despite rather than because of him. Hopefully he can perform better in the CL.

For me we remain outsiders for the title, but its a warm feeling to have got the scariest remaining fixture out of the way without getting beaten.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Late to the party, but on Sunday afternoon we showed we have grown up and I was delighted that we neutered City so effectively. Arteta was pragmatic in his approach and for Gooners if not for neutral fans that was far better to see than our naive approach at the Etihad last season. That said, it speaks to the team's development that in the cold light of day I feel disappointed that our forwards - Odegard apart - were disappointing and did not match the performances of our defence.

Re the OP, our players coming back did indeed look rusty (Tomiyasu the exception?), and this was to be expected. But I actually saw some good touches from Partey amongst the bad, while I was most disappointed in Jesus who for me looked overwhelmed by the occasion. It's ironic to think that if we manage to win the league it will have been despite rather than because of him. Hopefully he can perform better in the CL.

For me we remain outsiders for the title, but its a warm feeling to have got the scariest remaining fixture out of the way without getting beaten.

I think it probably has to be said that Jesus is a Flop. His finishing is dire and he’s no longer doing the things he was doing when he first joined us by laying on chances for others and committing defenders. To that end it has to be said that Havertz has proven a much more fruitful signing. I don’t think either of them represent great value for money but yeah I’m not really sure what Jesus brings to the team anymore. His wages will be obscene so it will be near on impossible to get rid of him.

[Mac76]

how long is Jesus' contract though? hopefully not too much left on it - for sure though I'd play Trossard ahead of him when Martinelli can't play, assuming the same formation

[Marc Overmars]

Yeah Jesus isn’t going to be anything other than a decent footballer but unreliable for goals and let’s face it, unreliable for fitness too.

We will need him for the incoming fixture pile up but we definitely need to be in the market for a striker this summer. If we can sell him then I wouldn’t mind but by the same token I think he can still be a useful player to bring in and out. He was poor on the weekend but given that we played largely without the ball I can forgive the forwards for the non-performance.

[IBK]

I think it probably has to be said that Jesus is a Flop. His finishing is dire and he’s no longer doing the things he was doing when he first joined us by laying on chances for others and committing defenders. To that end it has to be said that Havertz has proven a much more fruitful signing. I don’t think either of them represent great value for money but yeah I’m not really sure what Jesus brings to the team anymore. His wages will be obscene so it will be near on impossible to get rid of him.

Yes - I think we are coming to the point where we need to upgrade Jesus. He was quite transformative when he joined us, but he can't stay fit and has contributed little when he has played this season.

To MO - a further problem with Jesus is that he takes a while to come up to speed when he has been out, so not sure he is a great back up option...

[HCZ_Reborn]

Yes - I think we are coming to the point where we need to upgrade Jesus. He was quite transformative when he joined us, but he can't stay fit and has contributed little when he has played this season.

To MO - a further problem with Jesus is that he takes a while to come up to speed when he has been out, so not sure he is a great back up option...

The problem is FFP. We are coming into problems because we are making a loss on transfers. To spend anything this summer we will have to sell first. And Jesus? Well who is going to buy a player who is not scoring goals and can’t stay fit. We will be lucky to get twenty million for Edward.

Tierney couldn’t stay fit at Sociedad, Lokonga won’t be bought by Luton if as expected they are relegated. Forest ok as long as they stay up they will probably pay us for Tavares. But certainly less than we will end up having to pay Brentford for David Raya.

It’s the reason why Partey is being offered a new contract, because it’s easier to keep a player and hope he stays fit rather than having to pay out far more for a replacement than the money you’ll get for the player you’re replacing.

FFP makes it a minefield. Because of the constraints, we can’t rely on clubs being able to take a risk on one of our players. Will Aston Villa who are in the same position as us really splash out on Smith Rowe for example.

I get that it’s tallied out over three years but we have made big losses the last two summers.

[Letters]

Went to the Spuds home game shortly after he passed and during the minutes silence there wasn't a murmur from them (actually think someone tried to but was quickly shut down) showed that even rivalries are put aside during moments like this.

Did we meet up before the game? It was back in the era we may have!
I remember that too. The Spurs fans earned some respect that day, they respected it perfectly.

[dazthegooner]

Did we meet up before the game? It was back in the era we may have!
I remember that too. The Spurs fans earned some respect that day, they respected it perfectly.

Not sure might have done do remember meeting at the 12 Pins at some point around then.

[Letters]

So, anyway, it was said 12 months ago that if we take 4 points off the leaders instead of losing 6 points, we'd win the league. We just completed taking 4 points from the Romanies and 4 points from the hub-cap nickers. So I'm predicting we'll win it because we met the criteria. Having watched what I watched, which is not all of it or even close, admittedly, I would now say the stats prove we are the best team in his league. 9 games to go to make that a fact and just because Liverpool are leading now doesn't mean all challenges have played out in full. The stats show we are clearly the best. Would be a shame to take all that good work and blow it. I'm going for a title win. The numbers add up.

We’ve both felt pretty sure we at going to mess it up. But I don’t feel that any more. I’m not sure we are going to win the league because we have the harder run in and it’s not in our hands. But we are showing we have what it takes to be in the title race till the end. And that’s all I’m looking for really. Obviously I hope we win it but there are such fine lines in football. You can lose the title because of a dodgy VAR call these days. If we’re not going to win it then so long as we push the other two all the way. If one of them does pip us then so be it but let’s make them work for it.
I’m very heartened by the way we’ve stood up in the big games this season.

[IBK]

We’ve both felt pretty sure we at going to mess it up. But I don’t feel that any more. I’m not sure we are going to win the league because we have the harder run in and it’s not in our hands. But we are showing we have what it takes to be in the title race till the end. And that’s all I’m looking for really. Obviously I hope we win it but there are such fine lines in football. You can lose the title because of a dodgy VAR call these days. If we’re not going to win it then so long as we push the other two all the way. If one of them does pip us then so be it but let’s make them work for it.
I’m very heartened by the way we’ve stood up in the big games this season.

Agree with that. There is clearly progress with our team - and at present we are better placed than our rivals re average age of squad etc...

[IBK]

The problem is FFP. We are coming into problems because we are making a loss on transfers. To spend anything this summer we will have to sell first. And Jesus? Well who is going to buy a player who is not scoring goals and can’t stay fit. We will be lucky to get twenty million for Edward.

Tierney couldn’t stay fit at Sociedad, Lokonga won’t be bought by Luton if as expected they are relegated. Forest ok as long as they stay up they will probably pay us for Tavares. But certainly less than we will end up having to pay Brentford for David Raya.

It’s the reason why Partey is being offered a new contract, because it’s easier to keep a player and hope he stays fit rather than having to pay out far more for a replacement than the money you’ll get for the player you’re replacing.

FFP makes it a minefield. Because of the constraints, we can’t rely on clubs being able to take a risk on one of our players. Will Aston Villa who are in the same position as us really splash out on Smith Rowe for example.

I get that it’s tallied out over three years but we have made big losses the last two summers.

True...I suppose we have to hope that unlike in past years Arsenal now has a reputation as being one of the best teams in the EPL - that tends to have a positive effect on player sale values. It's obvious who we need to sell this Summer, and ESR, Reiss Nelson; Eddie are all homegrown and therefore pure profit. Ramsdale also has £20-£30M value. We should be looking at circa £90-£100M for them, I'd hope.

[Mac76]

We can also sell injury-prone surplus players like Partey and Zin and maybe Jesus, all in all it should give us a decent war chest

[HCZ_Reborn]

We can also sell injury-prone surplus players like Partey and Zin and maybe Jesus, all in all it should give us a decent war chest

Unfortunately unlike Chelsea we can’t cheat our way into getting ridiculous transfer fees for players who clearly aren’t good enough for us.