Manchester City Caught In 1-1 Draw against Arsenal

Defending Premier League titleholders Manchester City fought to make an impression in playign against tough oponnent side Arsenal. Both sides ended in a 1-1 draw, as Laurent Koscielny gave a late-game equalizer to Joleon Lescott’s first-half lead.

City was playing their first league game after an exhausting loss to Real Madrid in their Champions League opener. Their lapses in ball possession and their failure to create threatening attacks left them to struggle throughout the game amidst Lescott’s header.

With both sides unbeaten since the start of the season, Arsenal went on to find opportunities for goal salvage. Koscielny’s close-range corner effort led them to another draw, setting them at par with City with both being nine points on the table.



Visibly frustrated, City manager Roberto Mancini lamented his side’s performance throughout the game, as he noticed both his side’s lack of attacking prowess and defensive setbacks. For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, his side showed an impressive presentation of skills despite their pre-season transfer issues.

Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey greatly influenced Arsenal’s play, while Koscielny’s goal exhibited the favourable progress the north London club is undergoing even in the absence of transferred players Robin van Persie and Alex Song.

 As City appeared shaken following their Real Madrid fixture, Arsenal took that as an opportunity to dominate the possession game. Cazorla and Abou Diaby led the midfield, in contrast to the restrictive performances of Yaya Toure and Javi Garcia.

Cazorla’s penchant for finding creative openings provided a spectacular show for Arsenal, as he collaborated with Ramsey in setting up Gervinho for opportunities. Their multiple opportunities kept City keeper Joe Hart busy on his duty.

Sergio Aguero was the only attacking force City could boast. He repeatedly tried Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone and his penalty area collision with Koscielny did little to stop him from making a thwarted shot. Edin Dzeko and Vincent Kompany both created failed attempts.

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Photo credits:

Manchester City vs. Arsenal [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 24 September 2012, from < http://soccer.indonewyork.com/man-city-1-1-arsenal-video-highlights-23-sept-2012/ >