I am still trying to wrap my head around how the gunners contrived to lose a game they had won so badly. First let me just say the abuse on the ref was uncalled for from both Arsenal fans and the players. Gabriel and Xhaka gave the referee a decision to make commiting silly fouls needlessly. Gabriel had no business trying to damage the penalty spot in an act of bad sportsmanship. He didn't need to foul in midfield for the second yellow. Xhaka didn't need to pull Bernardo Silva's jersey as the Portuguese was going nowhere but the baseline for the penalty award. Maybe had their coach been in the touchline things would have been different. That aside Arsenal played their best first half in this match. City were being choked up the pitch losing possession there on the press. It was so bad they didn't have even one clear cut chance.
Saka duly gave the home side the advantage just before half time with a well struck first time shot just inside the City box. Before the goal a penalty appeal was waved off on a perceived foul by Ederson on Odergaard(my Arsenal player of the season thus far). Tough call on Arsenal. Fifty fifty challenge probably bordering on a correct call from the official. As is what usually happens,City punishes teams in the second half as they tire and lose concentration. A momentary lapse allowed Rodri to steal the win for the Cityzens although one would expect better defending from Holding and White. The feisty encounter ending on ugly note as bottles rained on the celebrating City players, sanctions are certainly on the cards for the Arsenal.
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