In a heated encounter that felt like the final chapter of the 2025/26 season, Arsenal lost 2-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad.
Despite a determined defense and a late attack, the Gunners were unable to overcome Erling Haaland’s late winning goal.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but Mikel Arteta’s side showed why they have been able to lead the pack for so long.
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Arsenal vs Man City player ratings
David Raya – 8 Raya continued their good form, with Rodri and Haaland making great double saves in the first half.
Although he could do nothing in terms of goal, he commanded the area brilliantly under intense air pressure.
Cristian Mosquera – 6 I was given the unenviable task of tracking down Jeremy Doc. The young Spaniard showed flashes of brilliance, but was at times caught up by Doc’s raw acceleration.
William Saliba – 7.5 Saliba had a decent game against Manchester City’s attack, winning the majority of his headers and remaining calm on the ball even when City’s pressing was at its most stifling.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7 Cherki, who scored the first goal, overwhelmed him, but Gabriel showed his usual physicality and made some important blocks.
As the ball went in, he was involved in a wrestling match with Haaland, clearly frustrated with the winner.
Clown Hincapie – 6.5 A January contract added a shift to the left side. Although he had his hands full with Antoine Semenyo’s direct response, he provided a balanced play and provided an outlet up front.
Martin Zvimendi – 7 Zvimendi’s ability to find space in a crowded midfield was vital to Arsenal’s transitions.
He provided solid protection to the back four for long periods, but struggled to maintain his grip as City heated up.
Declan Rice – 7.5 Powerful performance. Rice covered incredible ground and often dropped in between the center backs to provide additional cover. His drive late in the game almost sealed Odegaard’s equalizer.
Martin Odegaard – 7 The captain was the one who orchestrated Arsenal’s greatest magic. His vision remains unparalleled, but it would be a shame not to test Donnarumma more with a late free-kick, which went just wide.
Noni Madueke – 6.5 The first half is bright and straightforward. However, his influence waned in the second half as Arsenal fell behind, ultimately leading to his substitution.
King’s Mercy – 7 Eze’s close control allowed Arsenal to break through City’s initial press on several occasions. He was involved in the build-up to Havertz’s equalizer and looked like the player most likely to make something out of nothing.
Kai Havertz – 7.5 They put pressure on Donnarumma and forced him to make a mistake that allowed Arsenal to equalize. Although he worked tirelessly as a central player, he lacked enough service to cause significant damage to City once the hosts regained the lead.
Arsenal leave the Etihad with their heads held high, with their lead at the top reduced to just three points.
With City still in control of the game, the margin for error has officially disappeared.
