By Victor Kanayo
After eight years in the Premier League, Arsenal on Sunday shocked Manchester City to earn a crucial 1-0 victory, ending a 12-match winless streak.
Despite triumphing in nearly a decade in the league, Arsenal tutored by Mikel Arteta had beaten Manchester City earlier this season in the Community Shield outing.
Martinelli Difference
During the EPL clash at the Emirates Stadium, it was substitute Gabriel Martinelli who fired late winner to give the gunners an edge.
The Brazilian attacker was brought on at half-time and was an instant boost for a gunners frontline that had been flat and hopeless throughout the first 45 minutes.
His presence helped open City up a bit, although there was a lot of luck – his shot smacked the face of Nathan Ake before beating Ederson – it was fitting that it was the returning Martinelli who made the difference for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Arsenal were organised and resilient in defence, keeping Erling Haaland at bay, and all their hard work was rewarded with the winner, albeit with it coming through that crucial deflection off Ake.
City and Pep Guardiola have cast a shadow over Arsenal in recent years, not least when they hauled them in at the critical point of last season’s title race.
Earlier, Liverpool despite Mo Salah’s brace were caged to a 2-2 draw by Brighton, same way West Ham and Newcastle United duel ended.
