Ake has been a tower of strength all season whether deployed at centre back or, as he was against the Gunners, as a left back.
Friday’s match saw the 27-year-old serve up another man of the match display with Ake boasting amazing stats of 100 per cent tackle success, 91 per cent passing accuracy, five possessions won, five duels won, three tackles made, zero fouls committed and the match winning goal!
And for Dickov, who was one of our special guests on Friday’s latest Matchday Live show, the strike cemented another night to remember for Ake and City.
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“What a finish from Nathan. If Kevin De Bruyne had put that it into the net, we would all be applauding and he it with his right foot too!” the former City and Scotland striker pointed out.
“Defensively he was fantastic on Friday as well.
“He was up against Bukayo Saka who is one of the best players in the Premier League.
“And I just think Saka was not going to run in behind him a lot. He’s a quick player with the ball at his feet and every time Nathan was on top of him pushing him back and pushing him back.
“The one occasion in the first half where Saka did face him up, Nathan didn’t panic. He held his ground and got in at the right time.
“With the Dutch national team Nathan plays in a back three on the left-hand side so it’s not strange for him to go out there.
“He has been magnificent.”
Those warm words were echoed by fellow Matchday Live special guest Shaun Goater with the former City strike legend applauding the technique behind Ake’s crucial striker.
“The goal showed it’s not all about power,” the Goat declared.
“He comes in on his right foot and Nathan’s done the right thing and gone for the far post and if the keeper does get anything on it then it probably leaves it there for a rebound
“He was brilliant how he played and in keeping Saka quiet. It was a real man of the match performance.
“He was absolutely brilliant again on Friday and it was capped with that great finish.”
Meanwhile for Michael Brown, the victory against the Premier League leaders yet again illustrated the brilliant tactical mind of manager Pep Guardiola and the way he can tweak our formation to suit whatever the occasion demands.
And Brown also believes after beating Chelsea and now Arsenal in successive rounds, City will be the team everyone wants to avoid come Monday’s fifth round draw.
“How do you question Pep Guardiola? That’s what he does, he spots different trends (in game),” former City midfielder Brown pointed out.
“Amongst those changes were Kevin De Bruyne taking him out to a wide area, Julian Alvarez coming on and hitting the post which led to the goal.
“I also think the energy, the control and the performance was much better and sort of stunned Arsenal despite those changes that they made as well
“It was a great second half performance against a good Arsenal side who were growing in confidence and I think that result will give City a big lift.
“Nobody will want to play City. We have beaten Chelsea and Arsenal now (in the FA Cup) and I don’t think City have anything to fear whatever the draw is.”
