Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 things we learned – Nothing’s changed

3. Breaking down Arteta’s pecking order

While the game is difficult to analyse given its nature and the red card, Arteta’s team selection and substitutions do provide an insight into his thinking. And there are some intriguing conclusions to draw.

Firstly, David Luiz is no longer a starter at centre-half. Pablo Mari and Shkodran Mustafi started together. Also in defence, Kieran Tierney slid straight into the starting XI at left-back before finishing the match at centre-back. He looked solid throughout.

In midfield, Mesut Ozil was absent from the squad entirely, which Arteta later said was due to ‘tactical reasons’, while Matteo Guendouzi started ahead of Dani Ceballos. Then, Arteta turned to Ainsley Maitland-Niles in central midfield. Maitland-Niles featured in central midfield in both warm-up friendlies and has waited patiently for his opportunity at the position. Perhaps now he will be given a chance to earn more minutes.

Finally, Eddie Nketiah started ahead of Alexandre Lacazette at centre-forward, Bukayo Saka started on the right flank, while Reiss Nelson was introduced ahead of Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli. Of course, this is one match and there are lots of factors involved in these selection decisions. But Arteta did provide a little peek behind the curtain regarding his opinion of some of the players in the squad.

<p>Here are five things we learned from <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51601979">the disastrous 3-0 defeat</a>.</p> <div id="attachment_102070" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102070" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1220701674-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>5. Champions League not done yet</h4> <p>Prior to the season’s resumption, Arsenal had vague hopes of a return to Europe. Of course, sitting in ninth position and knowing that they had to leapfrog several teams to get there, they recognised it was both unlikely and hugely difficult, but their European prospects were not entirely unfounded.</p> <p>This was their game in hand. With a win, they could have moved to within two points of Manchester United in fifth place, the final Champions League qualification place should City’s European ban be upheld. A loss, then, seems disastrous to their Champions League hopes.</p> <p>To some extent, that is true. But Arsenal still sit within striking distance of the top five. They have to play Wolves and Spurs and will leap above both with wins against the pair. Sheffield United also only drew with Aston Villa and have not extended the gap to fifth place as a result. It may sound a little foolish to say in aftermath of such a dire performance, but Arsenal’s Champions League’s hopes are done just yet.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Why would Aubameyang want to stay? </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102067" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102067" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1250305324-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JUNE 17: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on June 17, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Peter Powell/Pool via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>4. Why would Aubameyang want to stay?</h4> <p>Arsenal started the game spryly. They chased City hard in midfield, turned over possession in advanced areas well, and created several openings that they could not take advantage of in the first half. They also missed the chance to release <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=arsenal%22>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a> in behind the City defence. Kieran Tierney and Dani Ceballos were the primary culprits with two golden opportunities to slide the striker in.</p> <p>The energetic start slowly dissipated and City gained greater control of the match as it progressed. Aubameyang subsequently became increasingly isolated. Arsenal simply could not get him the ball. He had 24 touches by the end of the match. In contrast, Bernd Leno’s 58 was the most. Aubameyang grew frustrated.</p> <p>His body language was off. He threw his hands up in the air whenever he didn’t get the ball. His shoulders dropped, he became disinterested in the match, and he stopped working hard for the team. Of course, there is some accountability for Aubameyang here. He should be more committed to the team. And yet, can you really blame him? There is a dwindling number of reasons why Aubameyang would want to stay.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Breaking down Arteta's pecking order </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102066" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102066" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1220706727-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>3. Breaking down Arteta’s pecking order</h4> <p>While the game is difficult to analyse given its nature and the red card, Arteta’s team selection and substitutions do provide an insight into his thinking. And there are some intriguing conclusions to draw.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>Firstly, David Luiz is no longer a starter at centre-half. Pablo Mari and Shkodran Mustafi started together. Also in defence, Kieran Tierney slid straight into the starting XI at left-back before finishing the match at centre-back. He looked solid throughout.</p> <p>In midfield, Mesut Ozil was absent from the squad entirely, which Arteta later said was due to ‘tactical reasons’, while Matteo Guendouzi started ahead of Dani Ceballos. Then, Arteta turned to Ainsley Maitland-Niles in central midfield. Maitland-Niles featured in central midfield in both warm-up friendlies and has waited patiently for his opportunity at the position. Perhaps now he will be given a chance to earn more minutes.</p> <p>Finally, Eddie Nketiah started ahead of Alexandre Lacazette at centre-forward, Bukayo Saka started on the right flank, while Reiss Nelson was introduced ahead of Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli. Of course, this is one match and there are lots of factors involved in these selection decisions. But Arteta did provide a little peek behind the curtain regarding his opinion of some of the players in the squad.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. David Luiz can say goodbye to second season </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102065" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102065" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1220751547-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>2. David Luiz can say goodbye to second season</h4> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=david+luiz%22>David Luiz</a> is renowned for these types of performances. On this occasion, he squeezed his errors into 25 calamitous minutes. He initially started on the bench, was introduced for Pablo Mari on the 24th minute, and by the 49th has conspired to commit the crucial mistake in the build-up to City’s first goal and then foul Riyad Mahrez, conceding a penalty and a red card for City’s second.</p> <p>Luiz is well-paid. He has cost £24 million for the one season he has thus far spent with the team. Rarely has he lived up to that price tag. Initially reported that he signed a two-year deal, it was later revealed that Arsenal would have to negotiate a new contract with the Brazilian. It was, however, expected that the two parties would come to an agreement.</p> <p>That may now be in doubt. Luiz has been renowned for his leadership and high-character, but his play on the pitch has not measured up to his cost. This season, he leads the Premier League in red cards, penalties conceded, and errors leading to a goal. <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://twitter.com/oilysailor">Per Duncan Alexander</a>, he has been sent off once every 13 games and conceded a penalty once every 6.5 games. That is not the type of centre-back you keep.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Arsenal have a long, long way to go </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102068" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102068" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1220706808-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>1. Arsenal have a long, long way to go</h4> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta</a> arrived at Arsenal as Pep Guardiola’s protege. It was largely believed that he was being groomed for the Manchester City job itself, with Guardiola not one to remain with teams for years and years. So when he came to north London and looked to restart the project, it was natural to assume that many of the City tendencies and tenets would come with him.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_102055" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>City’s performance on Wednesday, therefore, provides the measuring stick for what Arteta must reach. This is the standard. And there is one stark difference between the two teams at present, something that Arteta cannot do anything about: the quality of the players.</p> <p>Kevin de Bruyne was majestic, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez terrorised, while David Silva was his silky self. Then Guardiola introduced Sergio Aguero, Rodri, Fernandinho and Phil Foden from off the bench. Arteta sent on Luiz.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-manchester-city-ratings/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-5-things-learned-nothing-changed/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/17/arsenal-manchester-city-ratings/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Player ratings </a> </div> </div> <p>Put simply, while there is optimism surrounding the Arteta project, the ultimate aim is a long, long way off from where the team currently is. There is much work to be done.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">