Manchester : Manchester City put behind their tumultuous week of transfer havoc, with a strong performance against Arsenal as they defeated the Gunners by 5-0 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday (28 August).
City had a tough week in terms of the failed transfers. The Blue side of Manchester had their eye on Harry Kane all summer and repeatedly made offers to Tottenham, but after rejecting all their offers Kane stayed with Spurs for this summer. City also targeted Cristiano Ronaldo, who was desperately looking for a way out of Juventus but the Portuguese talisman ended up joining his former club and arch-rival of City, Manchester United.
The game against Arsenal was important for Pep Guardiola and co and they won it in style. The North London club’s difficult start to the season continued against the mighty squad of the Citizens. The pressure on the opponent coach, Mikel Arteta is more than ever and things weren’t helped much with Granit Xahaka being sent off the field in the first half only.
For the men in Blue, Ilkay Gundogan opened the score sheet inside six minutes, as the flood gates opened, the lead was doubled quickly by Ferran Torres. The lead was extended to 3-0 by Gabriel Jesus just before halftime. Xhaka was sent off on minutes when his reckless tackle on Joao Cancelo left the referee with no other choice.
As announced, the statues of Vincent Kompany and David Silva were unveiled before kickoff and were perceived with cheering and excitement from the fans. Although that was not the only time they celebrated, their team further added to their happiness with their performance.
After the halftime break, Rodri scored the fourth on 52 minutes and Ferran added the nail to the coffin scoring the fifth on 84 minutes. Arteta who previously served as the assistant to Guardiola took charge after the 8-2 aftermath against Manchester United but his tenure has been sunshine either.
City comfortably strolled past Arsenal, as the latter struggles to register their first win, hunting for the first point and the first goal of the new season is still on for the Gunners.
