MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 0-0 ARSENAL

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Manchester City and Arsenal cancelled each other out in a cagy 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium, a result which now sees Liverpool as the favourites for the Premier League title.

Throughout the entire match, neither side created much of note. Arsenal had two half chances in the first period that were squandered by former City forward Gabriel Jesus, and a much more promising break in the second period that was wasted by Leandro Trossard.

City's chances were even more scarce, though they dominated the vast majority of possession in advanced areas. Nathan Ake had a near post header saved by David Raya in the first half, whilst Mateo Kovacic curled wide from the edge of the box and Erling Haaland was unable to make proper contact with a cross in the second.

The Blues were weakened with injuries, with John Stones and Kyle Walker out and Ake replaced in the first half with an apparent calf injury.

Nevertheless, Arsenal sat deep in their own half and were clearly playing for the point, and succeeded in their game plan, with William Saliba and Gabriel impressing at centre back.

For the first time this season, Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne were both allowed to operate in their best position at the same time (left and right sided attacking midfield respectively.)

It didn't really work, however, with Arsenal's deep block limiting the space City had in central areas. Bernardo Silva and Josko Gvardiol had more joy out wide, but the box was ultimately too congested, so nothing came to fruition.

Manuel Akanji, and later Rico Lewis after Ake's injury, were quiet in the congested midfield, but Rodri was exceptional as per usual, dictating the tempo from deep and very rarely giving the ball away.

Winning the league title remains a realistic possibility, but it is going to be very difficult for City. It is no longer in their hands, and City haven't quite hit the heights of last season or their previous years in terms of scoring goals and dispatching teams in clinical fashion.

But City arguably have the least difficult Premier League run in of either of their title contenders, with all of their matches at home against the "Big 6" out of the way.

Whilst City still have to face Tottenham Hotspur away in a dreaded bogey fixture, Arsenal still need to contend with that fixture plus a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, who have lent a helping hand to City in a title battle before back in 2019.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will also face United away, as well as a home game against Tottenham and away trips against Aston Villa and Everton, fixtures in which they've historically dropped points.

So whilst it's not probable, City shouldn't lose hope in winning the Premier League, and will hope to get right back on track with wins against Villa and Crystal Palace in the League before their first round UEFA Champions League Quarter final tie against Real Madrid.

Here are the player ratings for the drab draw against the Gunners:

Ortega-Moreno - 7/10 - In Ederson's continued absence after injury, the German didn't have much to do. He came to the fore when required with a good stop in the latter stages, and distributed excellently from the back with both feet.

Akanji - 7.5/10 - Another very solid game from the Swiss international, who linked well with Bernardo on the right hand side and slotted in at centre back very well after Ake's injury.

Dias - 7/10 - Dominant in aerial dues against a tall and physical opponent in Kai Havertz, and was crisp and accurate with his passing. Showed his potential to be a future City captain with the way he consoled all his teammates at the full time whistle.

Ake - 7/10 - Had a good solid start to the game, and was aggressive and tenacious with ground duels. Unfortunate to be subbed off injured early, and will hopefully be fit for City's upcoming big games against Real Madrid.

Gvardiol - 8/10 - Other than a few moments where he gave the ball away, Gvardiol was otherwise excellent. He grew into the game and dealt with Bukayo Saka - arguably the best right winger in the Premier League - exceptionally well.

Rodri - 8.5/10 - The best player on the pitch for either team, by a fairly considerable difference. As good as Declan Rice is, Rodri is clearly a level above him, and controlled the game from the centre of midfield.

Kovacic - 7/10 - Other than when he conceded possession a few times, Kovacic was excellent operating as Rodri's assistant in midfield. It was interesting to see him drop in as the left centre back in the build up, a role he fulfilled very well.

Bernardo - 7.5/10 - City's most dangerous attacker, it was somewhat disappointing to see him moved into midfield when he was excelling in one vs one duels on the right hand side. Nevertheless, he looked effective throughout, as he often does in big games.

De Bruyne - 6.5/10 - Nothing he really tried paid off, in a frustrating afternoon for the Belgian. The intent was there, however, and De Bruyne's end product and quality will only improve as he regains his fitness.

Foden - 6.5/10 - Very quiet on the left hand side. Took the ball on the half turn in trademark fashion a few times but was otherwise ineffective in creating chances and influencing the game.

Haaland - 6.5/10 - Looked sharp and bright in the first half when linking the ball and pressing, but less effective in the second half, as Arsenal's centre backs dominated him in the air.

Substitutes:

Lewis - 7/10 - Quiet in the first half, but grew into the game in the second half playing in arguably his best role inverting from right back, dealing with both Jesus and Trossard well in his time on the pitch.

Grealish - 6.5/10 - Helped City control the ball in high areas, and bought a few fouls high up the pitch to give City set piece opportunities.

Doku - 7/10 - Arguably City's most dangerous outlet in the closing stages of the game, but his end product was lacking in front of goal.