Manchester City suffered their fifth defeat in the Premier League 2 this season to Arsenal.
On a snowy December afternoon, the Blues were unable to respond to Jodi Osei-Tutu’s second-half goal, but fought-hard in the tough conditions.
What happened
City started well and enjoyed much of the possession within the first 10 minutes of the match.
Despite the promising start it was the visitors who looked most likely to score the first goal - and the first chance of the game came to Arsenal’s Joe Willock in the 15th minute.
Willock’s pace was rewarded when he found enough space for a strike just inside the box, but his effort flew over Aro Muric’s crossbar.
Just a moment later and Willock was back at it – this time with a close-range bullet-like strike, but his shot hit the cross bar.
Tosin Adarabioyo looked keen to snatch a goal before the break and in the 42nd minute the defender fashioned a header that skimmed past the right post.
After a goalless first-half, the visitors were quick to respond in the second. In the 47th minute Jordi Osei-Tutu took the Gunners into the lead with a curled effort that Muric was unable to get his outstretched hand to.
Arsenal’s goal built on their already established confidence which resulted in the visitors maintaining much of the possession.
The Blues looked likely to equalise in the 75th minute as substitute Taylor Richards slalomed around a sea of Arsenal jerseys, but he was unable to pinpoint skipper Lukas Nmecha who was waiting in the box.
The Gunners responded to this as Reiss Nelson sprinted towards Muric, and had a shot towards the left corner – which the City ‘keeper blocked – followed by another from the rebound which, again, was pushed away by the stopper.
Simon Davies’ side continued to push to the end but the three points were secured by the visitors.
How they lined up
Muric took his place in goal, with a back four of Demeaco Duhaney, Joel Latibeaudiere, Adarabioyo and Ed Francis in front of him.
Matt Smith took his defensive midfield role, while Jacob Davenport, Rabbi Matondo took their place in midfield.
Brahim Diaz and Javairo Dilrosun flanked Nmecha upfront.
What it means
The result means that City remain on 13 points in the Premier League 2.
What’s next
Next up, City EDS head to the Electrical Services stadium on Tuesday 19 December to face Chelsea in the Premier League 2, kick-off at 7.05pm.
