Arsenal

[Player Ratings] Arsenal 1-0 Man City: Superb Gunners Deserved Their Win

Arsenal produced a superb display to regain third position in the league and all but end Manchester City’s title hopes. Here are player ratings from the game.

by
Gooner Mac
April 8, 2012

Arteta - Deserved winner

Arsenal produced a superb display to regain third position in the league and all but end Manchester City’s hopes of winning the Premiership title this season.

Arsenal were by far the better side in the first half and were unfortunate not to go ahead when Robin van Persie headed towards goal from close range only for the ball to hit Vermaelen on the shoulder right on the line and deflect on to the bar.

Van Persie went close again in the second half when his header struck the post as the pressure from the home side increased. The Gunners went even closer to opening the scoring when first Walcott hit the post only for Vermaelen to slice the rebound wide from 2 yards out, the ball fell to the feet of Benayoun practically on the line but somehow a City defender managed to clear.

But the deadlock was eventually broken in the 88th minute when Arteta stole possession in midfield to fire home from 25 yards to win it for Arsenal. (you can watch the goal as well as match highlights here)

The result means City are now eight points behind United with only six games remaining, while Arsenal are now two points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham.

Arsenal were worthy winners and dominated City for the majority of the match. in fact, they restricted City to just 5 attempts at goal (0 on target), a season low for the Citizens. Arsene Wenger’s men deserve a huge amount of credit for the way they have turned their season around in recent weeks. Here are my player ratings:

Arsenal Player Ratings:

Szczesny 7, Sagna 7.5, Koscielny 8, Vermaelen 8, Gibbs 7 (Santos 7), Song 9, Arteta 9, Rosicky 8.5, Walcott 7 (AOC 6), Benayoun 7 (Ramsey 5) , Van Persie 7.