On the day in which Manchester City unveiled new statues at the Etihad Stadium to honor club legends David Silva and Vincent Kompany, the current team did their legacy proud by hammering Arsenal 5-0. City showed their quality early and often, leading by two goals in the first 12 minutes after an encouraging start from the Gunners.
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Things quickly snowballed after Granit Xhaka was sent off in the 35th minute, opening the flood gates for Gabriel Jesus, Rodri, and Ferran Torres to complete Arsenal’s miserable day. Mikel Arteta, City’s former assistant coach under Pep Guardiola, is now under tremendous pressure with his side at the bottom of the Premier League with no points from three games, and a fresh hammering the likes of which Arsenal fans are not used to.
Ironically, had Arteta remained under Guardiola’s tutelage, he would have been all but assured to succeed him once the Catalan left Manchester, which is slated to happen at the end of this current contract. Since Arteta’s initial success in charge of Arsenal, however, things have completely fallen apart and he appears to be set to be the first manager sacked this season, with his future beyond that very much in doubt.
From a City perspective, the team was once again excellent. They absolutely dictated the play in every aspect of the match and deservedly put five goals past an opponent at the Etihad for the second straight matchweek. After a terrible defeat to Tottenham to start the season, Guardiola’s men have figured it out and are ready to truly make a strong title defense. The Citizens showed the levels that exist between these two squads, managers, and clubs at the moment, but the real battles will be fought against Man United, Chelsea, and Liverpool.