Premier League: a sad and boring draw between Manchester City and Arsenal

It was the Premier League poster this weekend. The clash between two teams candidates for the title, the clash between two tacticians and two XXL squads, a shock with very high stakes, especially after Liverpool's victory over Brighton. Manchester City and Arsenal had to win to take the lead in the standings (Arsenal) or come back to level with Liverpool (Manchester City). So you obviously had to be in front of your TV this Sunday afternoon. Pep Guardiola also concocted an attractive eleven with Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and even Kevin De Bruyne. For his part, his disciple, Mikel Arteta was banking on Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

On paper, we could therefore expect a beautiful poster. But this was only the case on paper. Because this meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal was quite rare for a Premier League meeting. After 80 minutes of play, there were only two small shots on target in the entire match. The two teams engaged in a tactical battle without ever trying, without ever succeeding in disrupting the defenses, without ever taking the risk of creating an imbalance. On the Manchester City side, Kevin De Bruyne, below physically, did not seem at all inspired while Erling Haaland was completely transparent during the entire meeting. Symbol of his poor form, he missed an easy ball at the end of the match (83rd).

Both teams ensure the minimum

For the Gunners, who could therefore regain the lead in the championship with three points, the observation was the same. William Saliba's teammates especially tried to defend well and not expose themselves. And this was the case since they were not really worried and we could even say that they created the best opportunities, particularly on counter-attacks. But each time, the last gesture failed the team who could not really get a chance of play.

Finally in this meeting, the suspense will have lasted at least until the last second and these numerous balls in the Arsenal area to find a deflection from Erling Haaland while De Bruyne tried to deposit caviars. In vain. The stakes will have taken over the game in this shock which therefore results in a sad 0-0. Both teams obviously remain in the title race but are missing a great opportunity to take a big advantage in the final sprint. City remains 3rd, 3 points from first place, and one point from Arsenal, 2nd and therefore 2 points behind Liverpool at the top. The next few weeks are going to be tense!