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- Former Arsenal player Alan Smith provided a post-match analysis of the Manchester City vs. Arsenal match.
- He highlighted Man City's composure and Arsenal's mistakes were critical to the match's result.
On Wednesday, Arsenal had the chance to open up a six-point lead with victory, while defeat would leave Man City top of the table thanks to their superior goal difference. In the end, the visitors ran out 3-1 winners to get their title defense back on track.
Former Gunner Alan Smith sat with BestGamblingSites.com for post-match analysis and had much to say about Pep Guardiola's dismantling of his former protege Mikel Arteta. As Smith pointed out, Pep has cemented his reputation as one of soccer's most innovative managers, even likening him and Arteta to a sorcerer and his apprentice.
Pep is Boss
Commenting on Guardiola and the game, Smith stated, "I think it was a stark reminder of who's boss, both on the pitch and off it. He's still the sorcerer to Arteta's apprentice. He's still the man and will be remembered as one of the best - if not the best - most innovative coaches ever. Those are the standards you need to try and match."The Arsenal legend said that composure, more than anything, determined the game's outcome. Smith highlighted City's calmness on the night and singled out Kevin De Bryne and Erling Haaland for their contributions to Man City's win.
He also identified Arsenal's mistakes, namely Tomiyasu and Gabrielle being at fault for two of the goals they conceded and Eddie Nketia missing several goal-scoring chances in City's goalmouth.
Is the Premier League Arsenal's Title to Lose?
Smith argued that mathematically Arsenal has the Premier League title to lose. But he also acknowledges that there are too many games and points to play for to accurately deem them favorites. In his post-match comments, Guardiola downplayed his side's chances pointing to the Gunners' game in hand.The Arsenal great insisted that the teams still had to prove themselves this season, beginning with tricky away fixtures against Aston Villa and Leicester City. He affirmed that while Man City may be more vulnerable than expected this season, they were still the team to beat.
Gabriel Jesus' imminent return to the team following his World Cup ligament injury has Smith believing he's the external factor Arsenal needs to re-energize its title hunt. He says the Brazilian's strength, movement, and intuitive football IQ make him an invaluable addition to Arteta's side.
Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are the other players whose return will provide the North Londoners with much-needed options.
Arsenal's Twelfth Man
The Emirates Stadium has been a true asset to Arsenal in their quest for silverware. According to Smith, that is largely due to the raucous home support the team enjoys each week. The Gunners' faithful are famously vocal regarding supporting their team, and they have created an atmosphere of such intensity that visiting teams find uncomfortable.Smith also acknowledges that the Emirates has seen an undercurrent of aggression lately, as was witnessed in their match against Man City. A section of the crowd pelted Kevin De Bruyne with plastic bottles as he walked to the dugout following his 87th-minute substitution.
He reiterated that while such acts shouldn't be condoned, they reflect how intimidating the grounds have become. To him, "You certainly don't condone it, but that's a reflection of how the atmosphere has become a little more intimidating and aggressive. So long may it continue if it helps the team get results! Excluding throwing things at opposition players, of course.
