The first game of the year as an advertisement for football. A penalty, a red, three goals and a Manchester City win

Manchester City managed the first game of 2022. Arsenal were the better side in the first half and were leading, but after the change of sides, a penalty for the visitors and a sending off for Gabriel Magalhaes broke everything. Manchester increased their lead at the top of the table.

The Citizens were more active from the start, with Gabriel Jesus heading just wide in the fifth minute. In the 14th minute, a cross from Ruben Dias came through the visitors, but Ruben Dias only slightly crossed it and missed the target.

The Gunners were rampant from breakaways, with Gabriel Martinelli pulling one back in the 17th minute, but Ederson kept it out. Arsenal were even better after that, giving the visitors problems with their pressing and going ahead in the 32nd minute.

Kieran Tierney’s pass found Bukayo Saka and a hidden shot gave Ederson no chance. Martinelli was also on hand, finishing his 43rd minute solo effort with an inaccurate shot. The game went to the booths 1-0.

After the change of sides, Granit Xhaka fouled in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot after watching the replay. Riyad Mahrez took the ball and converted the penalty uncompromisingly.

The visitors’ defence almost gifted Arsenal a goal afterwards, with Nathan Aké kicking the ball off the line. A minute later, Gabriel Magalhaes saw his second yellow card and the Gunners faced a long shorthanded period.

As expected, Manchester began to dominate significantly, but struggled in the final stages. It was only in stoppage time that the ball luckily found its way to Rodrigo, who ripped the net. Arsenal couldn’t answer and lost 1: 2.

Source: Premier League