Arsenal

Defeat to Manchester City saw the Gunners fall off the top of the Premier League table, and they are now without a win in their last four matches across all ...

Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction It is not believed to be a serious problem, but Jorginho looks likely to continue in midfield. Those performances aside, the team have otherwise been impressive under former Arsenal boss [Unai Emery](/topic/unai-emery).

The Gunners have not won in four matches across all competitions and have dropped eight points from their last three league games thanks to losses against City ...

[Arsenal must remind themselves of their brilliance against tricky Aston Villa](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-aston-villa-premier-league-preview-b2284231.html) [Mikel Arteta](/topic/mikel-arteta)‘s side lost 3-1 to [City](/topic/manchester-city) in a result that saw Pep Guardiola’s team [leapfrog them ](/sport/football/arsenal-premier-league-man-city-arteta-b2283365.html)at the top of the table. Just over a month ago, the murmurings began. Arsenal look to respond through Leandro Trossard on the left. Emery managed the Gunners from 2018 to 2019 before he was sacked and joined [Villarreal](https://d.docs.live.net/topic/villarreal). A 2-0 away win at north London rivals, Manchester City suffering a derby defeat the day before. He feeds it out to the right side where Bukayo Saka wins an early throw in. They last lost three away games in a row in December 2021, while they’ve not done so without scoring since December 2009. Eight points the gap. [Unai Emery](https://d.docs.live.net/topic/unai-emery) who will take charge of Aston Villa for this encounter. 5 mins: What a goal! His finish was one brimming with confidence and style.

Arsenal need to find form again and bring in some fresh faces certainly wey fit help di team. Arteta need to trust di players wey im get.

Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal Lucas Digne enta for Alex Moreno. Jhon Duran enta for Ollie Watkins. Aston Villa vs Arsenal line up Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal Aston Villa1-1 Arsenal Arteta drop Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal make two changes to dia starting line-up to face Aston Villa today. Aston Villa 2-3 Arsenal 77mins: Bukayo Saka get on di end of pass and take a shot from di edge of di box. Arsenal bounce back to top Premier League afta 4-2 win over Aston Villa Dem need to make changes and wit di game against Aston Villa just three days afta disappointing defeat to Manchester City dem get reasons to make doz changes.

Arsenal dropped off the Premier League summit with Wednesdays 3-1 loss to Man City at Emirates Stadium; defeat extended winless run to three games and left ...

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ivan Toney physically dominated them for Everton and Brentford, and the same was true of Erling Haaland on Wednesday night. Arsenal's total of 16 line-up changes is the lowest in the division. At the other, a collective wavering of concentration levels which is resulting in uncharacteristic defensive errors such as the ones that proved so costly against City. He is also capable of playing anywhere across the front line. His missed chances against City betrayed a dip in confidence and, more significantly, Arsenal's collective threat has gone the same way. Arsenal have dropped more points in three Premier League games than they did in the previous 19. Arteta spoke of the "marathon" that still lies ahead in his press conference on Wednesday night. Privately, though, he will accept the potentially huge significance of how Arsenal respond at Villa Park. Together, though, the results comprise a significant blip. In addition to their decreased productivity in attack, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and quality of chances they are giving up to their opponents at the other end of the pitch. "The most important thing is how we are tomorrow," said Mikel Arteta. Anything less would extend Arsenal's winless run to four Premier League games, causing alarm bells to ring louder.

The Gunners had been hoping to turn their fortunes around against Aston Villa but found themselves 2-1 down at half-time, before eventually turning it around to ...

[Manchester City](https://metro.co.uk/tag/manchester-city-fc/?ico=auto_link_sport_P12_LNK1) will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans. [Mikel Arteta explains decision to bench Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal's clash with Villa](https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/18/arsenal-mikel-arteta-explains-decision-to-bench-gabriel-martinelli-18305343/?ico=more_text_links) [Gary Neville has long thought that Arsenal will finish third](https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/15/gary-neville-predicts-arsenal-to-finish-third-in-premier-league-after-spurs-win-18105049/) in the Premier League this term. [Pep Guardiola](https://metro.co.uk/tag/pep-guardiola/?ico=auto_link_sport_P4_LNK1)’s side leapfrog them at the top. [Privacy Policy](https://metro.co.uk/privacypolicy/) [Everton](https://metro.co.uk/tag/everton-fc/?ico=auto_link_sport_P3_LNK1) before a home draw with Brentford.

Arsenal scored two crucial late goals to go three points clear of Manchester City in the title race.

[Bukayo Saka](https://www.goal.com/en/news/watch-bukayo-saka-thunderbolt-half-volley-arsenal-aston-villa/bltd594c6191e8aeb88) and Oleksandr Zinchenko cancelled out strikes from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho and set the visitors on their way to a crucial victory in the title race. [deflected in off the back of Emiliano Martinez to put them 3-2 in front](https://www.goal.com/en/news/emiliano-martinez-embarrassed-against-arsenal-own-goal-open-goal-gabriel-martinelli/blt3c35d5549148f946). Mikel Arteta's side looked set to drop more points in the title race until an incredible stoppage-time strike from Jorginho crashed against the underside of the bar and

Arsenal have travelled to Villa Park as they look to get their Premier League title charge back on track. The Gunners have picked up just one point from their ...

We've seen where the level is, we want to be at that level and we are on that journey together.” The players are highly motivated for the Villa game because we want to perform well and win.” [Premier League](/latest/premier-league) rules mean that teams who are involved in Wednesday [Champions League](/latest/champions-league) games will not be given the early kick-off slot on a Saturday but this does not extend to all competitions, much to the displeasure of Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners boss feels people have seen “the way Arsenal do things” as they aim to regain top spot having lost to City on Wednesday night.

“That is what we are looking to do. At the end of the day, come the end of May you’re going to have to have a certain amount of points. “You have to do things consistently, at an extremely high level. To have the capacity to rotate, to have the capacity when players are not in the best moment to change them. Man City have been the number one candidates from day one because they have been in that position for much of the last five years. Don’t tell me how or where, but you’re going to have to have those points.

Arsenal were fortunate to see Jorginho's shot rebound off the 'keeper and into the net for their crucial third goal, but they had earned their luck.

[Eddie Nketiah](http://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/259486/Edward-Nketiah): Wasteful in front of goal again and was fortunate it did not cost Arsenal. Also, the reaction from all of us in the second half was perfect, that's the right way to go for the future games." We have to take some lessons today because especially in the first half, we didn't do all the simple things right and then we give them the chance to score those two goals in a really simple way. But it was Arsenal who were the stars of the show as they ended up claiming a stunning late victory. [Oleksandr Zinchenko](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/217482/Oleksandr-Zinchenko) fired Arsenal level on 61 minutes and there were chances for both sides as [Martin Odegaard](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/203669/martin-odegaard) missed a glorious chance 13 minutes from time, while at the other end substitute [Leon Bailey](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/224809/Leon-Bailey) crashed a late shot against the bar. This was a day to forget for the 30-year-old. This was another occasion to add to a growing list where Saka was on the receiving end of some rough treatment. Five minutes later, with Martinez caught upfield for a Villa corner, the visitors broke again and substitute [Gabriel Martinelli](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/269844/Gabriel-Martinelli) was left to roll the ball into an unguarded net. Kicking off just 63 hours after losing 3-1 to City, this was always going to be a test of Arsenal's resolve and it became immeasurably harder after Watkins scored early on -- the first goal Arsenal have conceded in the opening 15 minutes of a league match this season. And despite going down for treatment early in the second half, Saka admirably battled on to keep taking the fight to Villa, playing the entire game when it looked probable at one stage he would be forced off. This victory arrests that poor run and fires a statement to City that they still have genuine competition in the title race. Arsenal's durability in the title race was called into question after a run of one point from a possible nine enabled Manchester City to knock them off the top of the table in midweek for the first time since Nov.

Arsenal reinvigorated their push for a first Premier League title in two decades and retook top spot on Saturday with a thrilling 4-2 win at Aston Villa ...

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal 'didn't do the simple things' right in the first half at Aston Villa, after his side came back to win 4-2.

The reaction in the second half was perfect and the right way to go in future games. “We had a chat at half-time and went back to doing the basics,” he said. “We just need to believe to the very end that we can achieve everything,” was the verdict of Oleksandr Zinchenko, whose long-range shot levelled the game at 2-2. At some stage you’re going to have to win games in the 94th and the 96th minute, you have to score when you are down to 10 men, you have to score from set-pieces. “If you want to be at the top, you have to win games in different ways. “In the first half we didn’t do the simple things right.

Late drama as we twice come from behind before winning thrilling Premier League match at Villa Park.

Replays showed Ramsdale made a superb save to push it onto the woodwork. But his low shot went just the wrong side of the upright. He made a great run into the area from the halfway line, but his pass was just too strong for Nketiah, who had momentarily checked his run. From a short corner, Martin Odegaard rolled the ball back to Zinchenko just outside the box. Instead he wanted to get on with things and go for the third goal. Granit Xhaka had a shot blocked on the edge of the area before Saka then dragged a low shot wide. Then the late drama. Alex Moreno got behind White, and his cut-back from the left was dummied by Emiliano Buendia, allowing Coutinho to wrong-foot Ramsdale with a low finish. The game remained open, with both defences offering chances, but it was Villa retook the lead with a well-worked second. Martinez was rooted to the spot as the ball flashed past him. We got off to the worst possible start. However there didn’t seem to be too much danger as Watkins advanced into the box, marshalled by William Saliba.

A proud Mikel discusses the nature of our 4-2 Premier League win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

In the second half, it was a completely different story. With the second one, Bukayo was half injured, it was a corner and we were not set and leading the game like we should. A smaller margin [of chances] should be enough to win in this league and we need to improve that. At half-time we said we had to raise the individual level, we had to look each other in the face and we had to do much more if we wanted to come out and win this game. The context of the game was difficult, with the performance that we had against City and getting nothing out of it. We don’t need to produce as much as we do in every single game to win matches.

Arsenal left it late but a stunning end to their win over Aston Villa shows why they are very much in the heat of the Premier League title race.

"We showed character, quality and had the right temperament and personality. To get that win in the second half will be pleasing for Arteta and Arsenal." Psychologically it was really tough to get that result against Manchester City and then less than three days later we come to Aston Villa and win, which is a difficult thing to do. "Like I said in the past, this group has such amazing people, can achieve everything they want if we are going to keep fighting and keep believing. We totally merited the win. "First, we took an unbelievable lesson for all of us that we need to believe until the very end. "It's massive for this young group of players at Arsenal. "Today I think we can take two big lessons," the manager said. For us it will be Jorginho's goal. This team clearly understands Arteta's approach and what he wants, and their togetherness is evident. Perhaps the most impressive thing was that Arsenal didn't panic. "In the first half, we did the simple things wrong and in the second half we raised our individual level and did the simple things right.

The scenes, as first an Emi Martinez own-goal went in and then Gabriel Martinelli struck, said it all. The Arsenal bench swarmed onto the field, with substitute ...

As it was, the Gunners were the ones to find the net as Gabriel Martinelli rolled a simple finish in. And there was yet more drama as Arsenal added a fourth, by breaking to score from a Villa corner that had Martinez up trying to bag an equaliser. Jorginho struck an effort from outside the box and it hit the bar, before rebounding off ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s head and into the net. As the minutes ticked into injury-time, it looked like Arsenal would be leaving back for London with a point. During a lacklustre first-half [the winger was the one shining light](/sport/football/arsenal-fc-player-ratings-vs-aston-villa-saka-jorginho-b1061322.html), almost single-handedly keeping them in the game. The scenes, as first an Emi Martinez own-goal went in and then Gabriel Martinelli struck, said it all.

Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been likened to George Best amid transfer interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.

[Newcastle targeted a £50m move](/en-gb/2022/12/16/pif-ready-to-outmuscle-real-madrid-and-sign-quick-winger-for-newcastle/) in January, too, per [The Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/khvicha-kvaratskhelia-newcastle-want-50m-rated-napoli-forward-s533jptlf), having captivated the Toon’s scouts. [Arsenal and Newcastle target Kvicha Kvaratskhelia could reach Ronaldo's level](/en-gb/2023/02/16/arsenal-and-newcastle-target-kvicha-kvaratskhelia-could-reach-ronaldos-level/) [Kvicha Kvaratskhelia likened to Mo Salah as Arsenal eye up Napoli star](/en-gb/2023/02/13/kvicha-kvaratskhelia-likened-to-mo-salah-as-arsenal-eye-up-napoli-star/) The Serie A squad refused to sell this January. Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock at the Mapei Stadium after just 12 minutes as the winger produced a sensational solo effort. [£10m](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/khvicha-kvaratskhelia-newcastle-want-50m-rated-napoli-forward-s533jptlf) last July. [Kvaratskhelia](/en-gb/topic/khvicha-kvaratskhelia/) penned his 10th goal of the season so far this Friday as Napoli won 2-0 at Sassuolo.

Bukayo Saka equalised for Arsenal against Aston Villa in the first-half with a fantastic strike, putting the Gunners en route to a huge win.

"Then we altered a few things and we produced a very strong performance. "We had some difficulties in the first half collectively and individually we brought the level right down and we stopped doing the simple things right," the Spaniard said. Then you have to play the next 90 minutes like we are as a team right now. But he’s going to have to deal with that, not every week, but every three days and sometimes in training as well because it’s his game and teams are not stupid and they want to stop him. The Arsenal boss said: "He’s fine. Martinez joined his teammates in Arsenal box for a corner in a last ditch effort to clinch an equaliser.

The Gunners twice battled back from behind as an added-time own goal from Emiliano Martinez helped them to a hard-fought 4-2 victory. The former Arsenal ...

“Win in any context and we’ve always talked about that. Smaller margins should be enough to win games in this league consecutively and we have to improve that.” “Against Brentford we did that but we couldn’t win it because of a decision – fine.

Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal: Jorginho's shot ended in an Emi Martinez own goal deep into injury time, before Gabriel Martinelli netted an even later open goal ...

Aston Villa responded by trying to kick Saka out of the game and off the pitch. How Villa needed a moment of quality from Coutinho and his first goal of the season. Saka led the reaction: Arsenal found White on the outside and Tyrone Mings created Villa a problem instead of saving one. To begin with, Arsenal looked short of that across the pitch, and it looked as if Coutinho’s goal on 31 minutes further dented their confidence after Saka had thundered in a quick equaliser. His pullback was for Emiliano Buendia but the Argentine dummied and the pass slipped through Granit Xhaka’s legs. It was an approach replicated by Pep Guardiola with Erling Haaland on Wednesday, as the Manchester City manager compromised his style to exploit William Saliba. Jorginho made sure it was not the final flourish of a thrilling afternoon. After taking the ball down on the wing with an exquisite touch and driving at goal, Aaron Ramsdale produced an even better one to tip his fierce shot onto the crossbar. He was hobbling from as early as midway through the first half, but was the best player on the pitch in the second. This was as good a time to play Arsenal as you could hope for, and yet as He crashed in Arsenal’s first equaliser on 16 minutes, dragging his side back into the game after their nightmare start, and from there was kicked every time he touched the ball. But at times here, Arsenal’s dip in form threatened to turn into a five-game slump, especially as first Ollie Watkins and then Philippe Coutinho fired Villa in front, before Villa rattled the crossbar when chasing a winner late on.

Bukayo Saka, Alex Zinchenko, Emi Martinez's own goal and Gabriel Martinelli's late effort proved enough to give us a crucial three points - and a bitesize ...

In the second half, it was a completely different story. With the second one, Bukayo was half injured, it was a corner and we were not set and leading the game like we should. A smaller margin [of chances] should be enough to win in this league and we need to improve that. At half-time we said we had to raise the individual level, we had to look each other in the face and we had to do much more if we wanted to come out and win this game. The context of the game was difficult, with the performance that we had against City and getting nothing out of it. We don’t need to produce as much as we do in every single game to win matches.

Zinchenko, Saka, Jorginho or Odegaard? Who was our standout in our 4-2 Premier League win?

Copyright 2023 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Vote in the poll below. Bukayo Saka netted his 10th goal of the season, Alex Zinchenko scored for the first time in an Arsenal shirt, while Jorginho and Martin Odegaard both impressed in midfield.

Arsenal have kept their title charge on track with a brilliant 4-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa, one of the best and most dramatic Premier League ...

[February 18, 2023] Before the late drama, Arsenal’s mid-season blip looked in danger of becoming a full-scale wobble. “It was very important after the last results we had. “That’s the Premier League. Martinez’s day then went from bad to worse. But it was Arsenal that claimed all three points on the day, thanks to a brilliant long-range effort from January signing Jorginho in injury-time. Unai Emery’s reunion with his former club didn’t quite go to plan. [February 18, 2023] [pic.twitter.com/aiRjxMu3dq] We came in at half-time, had a chat and then we went back doing the basics we need to do and changed the game.”

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has hit out at Gabriel Martinelli following Arsenal's 4-2 win after he celebrated before his 98th minute g.

“But, there was a part of the game I didn’t like. [Arsenal and Villa’s staff threatened to come to blows](https://talksport.com/football/1336590/arsenal-aston-villa-staff-clash-martinez-own-goal/) in the stands following Martinez’s own goal. “But I thought Arsenal were impressive in the second half, they didn’t turn up in the first half, but in the second half they were relentless.

Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Arsenal fans hail Steve Cooper's side for holding Manchester City to a draw.

[@NFFC](https://twitter.com/NFFC) - might even forgive y'all for those cup exits now! [comments section](https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/always-loved-robin-hood--8164597#comments-wrapper) below [#AFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hashtag_click).” Sincerely, all Arsenal fans.” [@NFFC](https://twitter.com/NFFC).” Fantastic from @NFFC,” said one Gunner.

The Premier League title race took another twist on Saturday as Arsenal climbed back to the top of the standings with a 4-2 win at Aston Villa while ...

Arsenal scored twice in stoppage time after coming from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 4-2 to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

90'+7 - GOAL FOR ARSENAL! 90'+3 - GOAL FOR ARSENAL! He looked like he was going to go off after getting strapping on his ankle. The Gunners, who had gone four games without a win in all competitions, looked on course for another defeat when going behind early on and again before half-time. Their possession play was eventually rewarded when Oleksandr Zinchenko equalised with a brilliant low strike after a short corner on the hour mark for his first goal of the club. Jorginho's strike crashed into bar, bounced down and hit Villa 'keeper Emi Martinez on the head before going in.

Kyle Walker has blasted the performance of his Manchester City team after they slipped up in the Premier League title race by drawing at Nottingham Forest.

We have to give credit to Nottingham Forest. We have to do better. We have to stick together as a group. [Pep Guardiola](https://metro.co.uk/tag/pep-guardiola/?ico=auto_link_sport_P3_LNK1)’s side took the lead shortly before half-time thanks to Bernardo Silva and though they were struggling to extend their advantage, it seemed that the Citizens were cruising to all three points with Forest offering nothing going forward. The chances we had in front of goal we need to be better, the calibre of players we’ve got up front we should be scoring them and putting them away. Every game should be treated the same – like a cup final.

OLIVER HOLT AT VILLA PARK: It seemed as if this was one more episode watching in grim fascination as Arsenal's title challenge imploded.

He beat his man and his fierce drive was destined for the roof of the net until Ramsdale touched it on to the bar with a brilliant reaction save. Villa substitute Leon Bailey took a high ball down out of the sky, killing it beautifully on his instep, and set off for goal. Arsenal should have gone ahead with 13 minutes left, when Nketiah caught Ezri Konsa in possession on the edge of the Villa box and slid a pinpoint pass to Odegaard, who was unmarked 10 yards out and faced with an open goal. The ball ran to Philippe Coutinho, who took a touch and then swept the ball past Ramsdale. A couple of minutes later Ramsdale dallied on the ball on his line and left it so long to clear it that Watkins charged it down. He took a couple of touches and when he got to the edge of the area, he raised his arms in the air in the manner of a rugby player celebrating a try early. Ben White clipped a ball in from the right and Mings intercepted it near the goalline. Tyrone Mings made a brilliant saving lunge to flick a point-blank header from Eddie Nketiah on to the bar and even if it soon became apparent the effort would have been ruled out for an offside, it was a reminder of Mings’ value to the side. Eventually after lots of adventures the man turns back into the kid and for 90 minutes at Villa Park it felt as if Arsenal’s shot at mixing it with the grown-ups was coming to a close. In the late 1980s, he starred in a film called Big about a boy who puts money in a slot at the fairground and turns into a man. But as Martinez fell to earth, the ball bounced down on to the back of his head and rolled across the goal line. Martinez was once the keeper at the Emirates and has not endeared himself to Arsenal fans since his move.

Arsenal twice battled back from behind as an injury-time own goal from Emiliano Martinez helped them to a hard-fought victory at Aston Villa and breathed ...

Ben White’s cross was not dealt with by the recalled Tyrone Mings, who headed the ball straight onto the foot of Saka and the England man thrashed an effort past Martinez for his 10th goal of the season. As in their 3-1 loss to City, Arsenal’s initial response to falling behind was a good one and – again mirroring Wednesday night – they drew level through Saka. Arsenal twice battled back from behind as an injury-time own goal from Emiliano Martinez helped them to a hard-fought victory at Aston Villa and breathed new life into their Premier League title bid.

Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a dramatic comeback win against Aston Villa, who were unhappy with the behaviour of some of the ...

It came back with a bang against Villa, with Jorginho’s effort hitting the woodwork and going in off Martinez to give the Gunners a huge three points. He does the simple things really effectively. We altered one or two things and produced a very strong performance and should have won it earlier than we did.” Villa match analyst Victor Manas had to be held back from Arsenal counterpart Miguel Molina. “If you look at [William] Saliba, you hardly notice him because he’s so calm. Emiliano Martinez’s own goal and Gabriel Martinelli’s tap-in on the counter-attack ensured the Gunners claimed all three points in added time at Villa Park. [Read the full story here.](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-aston-villa-press-box-29250097) Former Gunners manager Unai Emery was left to rage about [Martinez’s “embarrassing” decision](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-unai-emery-premier-league-29250404) to head up the pitch for a last-minute corner and leave his goal unguarded. [Arsenal.](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) [Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) team of late, with the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday deflating the positive atmosphere around the club. [Bukayo Saka](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bukayo-saka) and Oleksandr Zinchenko equalised.

Ollie Watkins' opener for Villa may have fitted a pattern of Arsenal gifting goals, but the response of one player in particular was striking. Jorginho bounded ...

[Leon Bailey](https://theathletic.com/football/player/leon-bailey-i7MKpQ2I2r8uIO7B/) and see him off. [Brentford](https://theathletic.com/football/team/brentford/) we did that but we couldn’t win it because of a decision — fine. [Martin Odegaard](https://theathletic.com/football/player/martin-odegaard-hRSWwjJppH2Xn0jr/) expected somebody else to engage the ball, Jorginho waited too long to do so and then the backline didn’t track the runners. [their way of “living” games](https://theathletic.com/4102887/2023/01/19/mikel-arteta-arsenal-living-games/?source=emp_shared_article). That moment, alongside [Aaron Ramsdale](https://theathletic.com/football/player/aaron-ramsdale-oClCp7qVt2452IFa/)’s fingertip save onto the bar from Bailey (both at 2-2), show just how important each action becomes in matches like these. [Thomas Partey](https://theathletic.com/football/player/thomas-partey-WvYPPsYnodFQ5XO1/) does, but he kept Arsenal ticking. [Those penetrative passes](https://theathletic.com/4142151/2023/02/01/january-transfer-window-where-jorginho-fit-in-at-arsenal/?source=emp_shared_article) and constant communication continued into the second half, with defence-splitting balls for Saka and quick words with [Eddie Nketiah](https://theathletic.com/football/player/eddie-nketiah-DEv6ydhcRGewFPXs/), Bukayo Saka and Arteta. William Saliba allowed Watkins to dominate in the build-up to the opener after [Oleksandr Zinchenko](https://theathletic.com/football/player/oleksandr-zinchenko-MS8PfOpWPUopegk6/)’s error in possession. [Like Manchester City’s first goal in midweek](https://theathletic.com/4208394/2023/02/16/arsenal-manchester-city-principles/), they were avoidable goals to concede. More intensity off the ball from Nketiah forced Martinez to float his kicks out of play before more turnovers created chances both he and Odegaard missed either side of a miscued Gabriel header. After a few uncharacteristic long balls, Arsenal started playing: Odegaard was drifting into that right half-space and causing problems with how quickly he was moving the ball forward, while Zinchenko was much more secure in possession. Benjamin White had been sat narrow in the opening 10 minutes, meaning Arsenal struggled to find ways forward.

DANNY MURPHY: Mikel Arteta must be so relieved to see Pep Guardiola messing about with his team - otherwise Arsenal might be the ones doing the chasing in ...

That comes from the constant tweaking of the back four, the shape and the personnel. The concern comes in the other away games they have lost, against Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United where they did not dominate and did not bombard the opposition goal. Two points clear with a game in hand. I thought it was a magnificent performance from the Gunners. On any other day, they win the game easily. They dominated the game.

Manchester City fell two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after being held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.