Izuchukwu Okosi
Ten-man Arsenal produced a brilliant first half performance but capitulated in the second stanza as they gave up a lead to start the year 2022 with a 2-1 defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium Saturday afternoon.
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Bukayo Saka put the dominant Gunners ahead in the 31st minute which was the first Premier League of the new year but a second half penalty converted by Riyad Mahrez after 57 minutes when Granit Xhaka tugged on the shirt of Bernardo Silva and a late Rodri finish ensured that City stretched their consecutive wins in the league this season to 11 matches.
Arsenal’s last Premier League win over Manchester City came in April 2015 in a 2-1 victory albeit they have overcome City twice in the FA Cup to lift the title, the last being in 2020.
Before City’s winner, Gabriel Malgehues was handed his second yellow card of the match for a foul on countryman Gabriel Jesus in the second half.
However there was a major talking point in the first half which will reverberate for a few hours after Martin Ordegaard was brought down in the City penalty box by goalkeeper Ederson which the referee or the Video Assistant Referee felt deserved a second look.
Chelsea will face Liverpool on Sunday with both sides hoping to close the gap atop the league table with Pep Guardiola’s side now 11 points adrift of the challenging heavyweight rivals.
