The anticipated clash between Manchester City and Arsenal turned out to be anything but the lackluster encounters of the previous season. Instead, the match unfolded as a thrilling spectacle filled with drama, controversy, and remarkable moments, reminiscent of José Mourinho’s Inter Milan defeating Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the 2010 Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal had been defensively resolute, achieving nine clean sheets in their first eleven away league matches this season, including a victory over Tottenham sparked by a corner goal. Mikel Arteta, who learned under Guardiola, showcased his own identity as a tactician, proving he is not merely Guardiola’s disciple. Some observers noted Arteta’s tactical approach bore hints of Mourinho’s influence, which surprised many as the match progressed.
In the 2010 semi-finals, Inter entered Camp Nou with a 3-1 lead from the first leg and, after a controversial red card to Thiago Motta just 28 minutes in, retreated into a defensive posture that frustrated Barcelona throughout the match. Ultimately, Inter lost 1-0, but advanced on aggregate, marking a high point in Mourinho’s career, celebrated with a life-size cutout of his iconic celebration.
In a similar fashion, Arsenal managed to stifle Manchester City during the second half on Sunday, even as City grew increasingly irate over Arsenal’s tactics. John Stones described Arsenal’s approach as “clever, or dirty,” while Bernardo Silva suggested they pushed the limits of what was permissible under the referee’s oversight.
City’s response to Arsenal’s defense was lackluster, as they registered 28 shots in the second half, but many came from defenders or were taken from long distances. Remarkably, only one effort prior to Stones’ late equalizer had an expected goals (xG) value above 0.1.
Arsenal’s organizational discipline was significant; they often formed a 5-4-0 or 6-3-0 formation that made it difficult for City to penetrate. In injury time, Rúben Dias had a rare opportunity near the box but, frazzled by previous misses, chose a sideways pass instead.
This match brought to light the peculiarities of Guardiola’s City. While he is a master of creating tactical overloads, it was surprising that defenders Dias and Manuel Akanji dominated possession in the second half. Notably, 10 out of 13 of City’s league goals this season have come from Erling Haaland, underscoring both his talent and a potential over-reliance on the striker.
Adding to City’s challenges, Rodri’s absence due to a knee injury could prove crucial, as the team’s only victory in his absence last season was against Luton. His role is vital for City’s control over matches.
Despite being content with a draw before the match and even more so after Leandro Trossard’s red card, Arsenal’s defensive effort was commendable. However, it ultimately fell short of securing a crucial win, leaving them feeling they had missed another opportunity at the Etihad Stadium for the second consecutive year.