In the end Pep Guardiola's side earned a comprehensive victory over the Gunners; Gabriel Jesus sent them on their way very early on before Alexandre Lacazette equalised just past the half-hour mark.
Riyad Mahrez's free-kick was fluffed by goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson to put City 2-1 up in the 55th minute before Phil Foden scored three minutes later and Aymeric Laporte wrapped up the scoring with City's fourth with seventeen minutes remaining.
With the outcome of the game all but decided, manager Mikel Arteta brought on Folarin Balogun to replace Arsenal's sole goalscorer Lacazette in the 77th minute.
It was the teenager's first appearance for Arsenal in a domestic competition, having made four appearances off the bench in this season's Europa League.
Balogun didn't make any impact because he was starved of service and in the closing minutes Nicolas Pepe wasted a chance to reduce the deficit when he opted to shoot instead of passing to the Anglo-Nigerian who was in a better position to score.
Arsenal will be aiming to end their long, poor run of form when they host London neighbors Chelsea in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : arsenal.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Comments 0
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!