What happened...
Rodney Kongolo’s first half strike was enough to give City the victory over a strong Arsenal side at the Etihad Stadium.
Both sides focused on playing neat, passing football but City’s killer instinct in front of goal proved to be the difference.
It was just after the half hour mark that the first chance – and the only goal – came. City winger Aaron Nemane broke free down the right side and drilled a cross to the edge of the box where Rodney Kongolo was waiting to sweep home and give City the lead.
Stinging left footed efforts from Javairo Dilrosun and Paolo Fernandes before the break kept Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Macey busy as City looked to double their lead.
Arsenal started the second half in the ascendancy but City’s determined defending always looked likely to keep the Gunners at bay.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Arsenal’s most threatening player, thundered a volley against the post in the closing minutes but City held out for their second victory this week.
What it means...
Simon Davies’ team have two wins from two in this season’s Premier League 2.
The Blues travel to Reading next Friday night looking to to extend their winning run.
Key moment...
Arsenal came out from the half-time break determined to draw level and it was on the hour mark that their best chance came.
Striker Stephy Mavididi flew down the left wing before squaring to Ainsley Maitland-Niles inside the six-yard box. It looked inevitable the Gunners would equalise until Marcus Wood’s left leg came across the striker and deflected the ball to safety.
Man of the match...
Aaron Nemane – A typically hard-working performance from City’s pacey right winger.
He spent much of the match driving at Arsenal’s back four from his wide position and ultimately made the crucial difference as it was his incisive cross that set up match winner Kongolo.
How they lined up...
City made just one change from Monday’s triumphant side as Isaac Buckley-Ricketts replaced Lukas Nmecha.
Goalkeeper Billy O’Brien was handed the captain’s armband after his man of the match display at Derby. James Horsfield, Cameron Humphreys, Charlie Oliver and Marcus Wood continued in their defensive roles.
Jacob Davenport sat behind Rodney Kongolo and Paolo Fernandes in centre midfield behind an attack of Aaron Nemane, Javairo Dilrosun and Buckley-Ricketts.
Arsenal XI: Macey, Johnson, Pilias, Kamara, Da Graca, Sheaf, Nelson, Bennacer, Mavididi, Maitland-Niles, Willock
