Arsenal vs Man City player ratings as Martinelli struggles and Grealish shines
Reigning champions Manchester City moved ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win in North London.
Arsenal were the top flight's star turn in the opening half of the season, but defeat at Everton and a draw with Brentford ahead of this match have seen questions asked of their title credentials - particularly with Pep Guardiola's side in close proximity. And City, champions in four of the last five seasons, were too smart and too streetwise for Mikel Arteta's side, as they swept to victory.
Kevin De Bruyne had put City in front before Bukayo Saka levelled for Arsenal from the penalty spot – but the visitors would strike twice after the break as Jack Grealish and Haaland, an injury doubt ahead of the game, secured a vital three points.
Arsenal have now lost three of their last four in all competitions as their title tilt has taken a wobble, although they only sit second by virtue of a worse goal difference and do have a game in hand on Guardiola’s men.
Here are John Cross' player ratings from the Emirates...
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Jack Grealish takes the plaudits after City's second goalArsenal
Aaron Ramsdale 7
Picked up a knock to his foot but made good saves and good distribution.
Takehiro Tomiyasu 6
Booked. Shocking mistake with a suicidal back pass to let in De Bruyne.
William Saliba 6
Struggled against Haaland’s physicality and power. Looked nervy at times.
Gabriel 5
Struggled up against Haaland. VAR saved him once but another mistake cost dear.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6
Exactly what City need at left back which makes selling him all the more bizarre.
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Jorginho 7
Came in for the injured Partey and did really well. Looked in control in midfield.
Granit Xhaka 6
Worked hard in midfield but wasted final balls and shooting opportunities.
Bukayo Saka 7
As cool as you like from the penalty spot. Had another top all round game.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Martin Odegaard (Getty Images)Martin Odegaard 7
The first over to Tomiyasu after his mistake. Proper captain and terrific player.
Gabriel Martinelli 5
It’s just not happening for him. He misses Jesus more than any other player.
Eddie Nketiah 6
Booked. Missed a big chance but kept going, never gave up and won a penalty.
Substitutes: Trossard (Martinelli, 76'), White (Tomiyasu 76')
Man City
Ederson 5
Booked. Yellow for time wasting - but escaped a second booking for conceding a pen.
Kyle Walker 6
Booked. Was incensed after a row over his yellow card which looked harsh.
Ruben Dias 6
He is strong, powerful and at times held City’s creaking defence together.
Nathan Ake 6
Still not convinced about him in City’s defensive set-up. Does get beaten too much.
Rodri 7
Went close with a header and held City together when all around him went AWOL.
Ilkay Gundogan 6
Was by-passed in midfield at times but improved and got an assist.
Kevin De Bruyne 7
What a finish for City’s opener. Sublime technique with his left foot. Assist.
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Jack Grealish after scoring the team's first goalBernardo Silva 5
Booked. Looked so uncomfortable when forced to tuck in as an auxiliary left back.
Riyad Mahrez 4
So quiet in the first half that you forgot he was playing. Was hooked. Awful.
Jack Grealish 8 MOTM
Grew into the game, caused major problems and then kept his cool to win it.
Erling Haaland 8
Another goal, gave Arsenal’s defence nightmares and is breaking records.
Substitutes: Akanji (Mahrez 62'), Foden (Grealish, 77')
Referee: Anthony Taylor 5
Man of the Match:Erling Haaland: His goal and second half display just edged Grealish as MOTM.
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