Arsenal host Manchester City this afternoon in the first match of the new year, 2022 at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners go into the game having had their coaching staff hit heavily by a wave of COVID-19, meaning their manager, Mikel Arteta will not be on the touchline for the fixture.
Instead it will be assistant Albert Stuivenberg who takes charge, with the Dutch coach having been given the trust and permission by Arteta to ‘express himself’. Regardless of who is on the touchline though it is a big test for this Arsenal side who have the opportunity to really make a point of their ambitions in the race for the top four.
With Tottenham and Manchester United both having games in hand, not dropping points will be vital for the Gunners as they look to get back into the Champions League for the first time in half a decade.
Arsenal took the lead early in the game with a goal from Bukayo Saka, converting a cross from left-back, Kiernan Tierney. The first half ended with Arsenal taking the lead and holding Manchester City from registering a shot on target in the first half.
The second half started well for Manchester City after VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Bernado Silva. The penalty was converted by Riyad Mahrez to pull City level.
Things went from bad to worse for Arsenal when their centre back, Gabriel was given his matching orders after a second yellow card. Manchester city controlled the game for most of the second half with a man advantage, grabbing their winner in the 93rd minute through Rodri.
It is the twelfth win in a row for Pep’s Manchester City’s side.
