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Arsenal hosted Manchester City in what looked like an impossible task based on the form Manchester City has been and of course the defensive record they boast of - conceding just 4 goals in 16 games.
It didn't take City too long to threaten Arsenal's backline and Sterling almost nicked it in 40 seconds but he wasn't to be denied for long as in 75 seconds, an in-swinging cross from Mahrez found his head perfectly and he gave City the lead. He almost added to his goal in the 5th minute when he was unable to decide on time by hitting the ball earlier and the goalkeeper gathered. Mahrez also got into the act in the 7th minute with his dazzling footwork but his effort deflected for a corner kick.
Tierney tried to drag his team back into contention in the 30th minute when he unleashes a long-range strike which didn't threaten the goalkeeper much.
In the 33rd minute, Fernandinho won a challenge and played through Gundogan. He managed a shot but it was blocked by Rob Holding in the box. A huge let-off for Arsenal there. It coils easily have been the second goal.
Pepe hoped for a bit of luck when he gave Bellerin the ball in the box and the ball trickle back to him. His effort in the 43rd minute went for the side of the net.
The half time ended and Raheem Sterling's goal seem to be the only thing separating the two sides. City dominated the game mostly and Arsenal showed flashes of their brilliance but much would be expected in the second half.
De Bruyne found Gundogan with an exquisite pass in the 55th minute but he lost control of his cut back and it went for a goal kick. Shortly after, Raheem Sterling had a shot that was deflected towards Gundogan, he expertly placed a curling effort that Leno turned over for a corner kick. At this point, Manchester City was knocking and there was a lack of urgency in Arsenal's game.
Cancelo wasted a glorious chance in the 79th minute when Gabriel Jesus played him in. He lost his marker and tried to use the inside foot to get a needed bend to the far corner but he missed and his effort went wide just when Gundogan was begging for the pass. It would have been an easy tap in for him.
The game ended 1-0 but City dropped momentum in the second half. Their first-half dominance won the game for them and taking the lead earlier settled the nerves. That is what champions are made for, you don't have to be at your best to grind our results and they have done that tonight.
Arsenal lost at home and they have it all to do if at all they want to climb up the table and qualify for the Champions League places. The best they can hope for, all things being equal is Europa League place because the race for the top 4 is high and there are too many teams gunning for it now.
West Ham won against Tottenham and moved straight into the top 4, displacing Chelsea.
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