Arsenal is definitely back! The opening game of the year clearly proved it

Destruction and hands for crying. That’s how Arsenal supporters have experienced matches against Manchester City over the last six years. But the opening fixture of 2022 suggested that the darlings of the North London outfit can once again think of the highest of standards.

Petr Cech remembers the Canaries’ last league win against Manchester City. Yes, for so long the Gunners could not find a successful recipe for Pep Guardiola’s charges. The last time that happened was on December 21, 2015. And even at the start of the new year, the Gunners failed to win. Only…

The first half offered some surprising developments. Not only did Bukay Saka’s goal give the home side a well-deserved lead, other opportunities were missed. And it should be noted that the reigning English champion did not send a single shot at Aaron Ramsdale’s goal.

It wasn’t until the second 45 minutes that the tide turned. A penalty, a goal and a red card for Gabriel Maghaels completely changed the course of the match. The unsalty and lacklustre performance of the Citizens was enough for a narrow victory, which was secured by Rodri in the 93rd minute.

The referee’s verdict is not worth discussing, he decided as he did. But enthusiasm, desire, teamwork managed to keep the Canaries in the fight for valuable points until the final whistle. The work of Mikel Arteta (who couldn’t attend the game because of Covid) and his implementation team is clearly visible.

His charges are making considerably fewer mistakes in opening the game and the defence is much more consistent thanks to the summer arrivals of goalkeeper Ramsdale, stopper Ben White and flanker Takehiro Tomiyasu.

And thanks to the work with young players, the new rules and consistency, Arsenal must at least be reckoned with in the fight for the Champions League and will probably be involved in the battle for the very top rungs from the start of the new season.

Source: Livesport