Mikel Arteta has come under scrutiny this season for his side’s domestic form which has seen Arsenal drop to 15^th in the Premier League table. Losses against Burnley, Everton and Wolves in recent weeks have contributed to their position in the table.

His side took on Manchester City tonight in a crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final. The occasion was all the more significant given recent suggestion that Mikel Arteta’s job could be on the line.

Arteta opted to rest several key players, perhaps with the hectic Christmas schedule in mind. Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, played a near full strength XI – making Arteta’s job all the more difficult. Pep’s decision paid dividend as his side ran out comfortable 4-1 winners, thus increasing the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s shoulders.

FIRST HALF

City didn’t take long to strike, either. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring just 2 minutes into the game. In truth, the goal could have easily been prevented. Poor anticipation from the Arsenal defenders and goalkeeper Alex Rúnarsson gifted Jesus a tap in from a Oleksandr Zinchenko cross.

The return of Gabriel Martinelli has provided much needed hope for Arsenal fans. The young Brazilian has been out injured since June, missing a host of games in the process. He marked his first start since injury with an assist in the 32^nd minute for Alexandre Lacazette. Martinelli looped a great cross into the box which was then finished off by the head of the Frenchman for the equalizing goal.

Gabriel Jesus had a great chance to put City back into the lead in the 40^th minute but he was kept out brilliantly by the Arsenal keeper. The Brazilian was played in after a neat one-two with Phil Foden but Rúnarsson came out on top in the one on one.

The first half ended 1-1 despite Manchester City dominating in terms of possession. Arsenal would have been happy with their first half display despite not creating many chances.

SECOND HALF

Manchester City retook the lead in the 54^th movie, owing again to a mistake from the Arsenal keeper. Mahrez lined up a free kick at the edge of area and his shot went straight at Rúnarsson but to his misfortune the ball slipped through his hands and into the net.

Phil Foden increased City’s advantage just minutes later with a delicate chip over the keeper. Fernandinho did well in the build-up before playing through Foden who put the finishing touches on the move. The England international has now scored 2 goals from as many games in the Carabao Cup having scored against Bournemouth earlier in the campaign.

Foden was involved again as City got their 4^th in the 72^nd minute. He floated an accurate ball into the box which was met by the head of Aymeric Laporte who couldn’t miss from close range.

The scoring stopped there as Manchester City advanced to the semi-finals. Their opponents are yet to be revealed with further games to be played.

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Both clubs faced off today in what could have been a potential title decider – despite Manchester City’s poor early season form. Both teams had their chances, but neither succeeded in scoring a match winning goal as the game finished 1-1.

Prior to the game, Liverpool had been on an impressive run of form. They won their last 5 games, including an astonishing 5-0 win over Atalanta midweek. They started the season slowly – by their standards – but have been reinvigorated in recent weeks, despite the absence of Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool could have claimed top spot with a win tonight, but remain in 3^rd for the time being.

Manchester City had an even worse start to the season than Liverpool. Their 5-2 loss to Leicester in gameweek 2 was one of the most disappointing results in their recent history. They have picked up their form in recent weeks, however. They’re yet to break into the top half, though, with tonight’s result leaving them in 11^th.

The fist goal of the game came in the 10^th minute. Sadio Mane burst into the box before being taken down by Kyle Walker. The referee showed no hesitation as he pointed to the spot almost immediately. The resulting penalty was tucked away with aplomb by Mohammed Salah. His goal today was his 8^th Premier League goal this season after as many games.

LIVERPOOL LEAD!

Walker gets caught the wrong side of Mane and Salah confidently dispatches the penalty. What a start from Klopp’s men!

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It took Manchester City 25 minutes before they got their first real opportunity of the game. A brilliant De Bruyne cross into Raheem Sterling left the winger with space on the edge of the 6-yard box. He took too much time however, and his shot was easily saved in the end.

They put that miss aside, however, as they equalized in the 31^st minute. The goal came as a result of fantastic play by Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker produced a brilliant turn to make space from Alexander-Arnold and Matip before toe poking into the net. The goal came after a sustained period of possession by Manchester City, having failed to do so earlier in the half.

CITY LEVEL THROUGH JESUS!

Superb from Jesus to pull City level! A striker’s finish. What a game we have here

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Manchester City had a penalty shout in the 38^th minute as an attempted De Bruyne cross struck the arm of Joe Gomez. VAR took a look at the incident and decided that a penalty should be given after serious deliberation. The decision caused controversy among the football community with many claiming the decision was harsh. This is not the first time a contentious penalty has been given this season and it’s unlikely to be the last. Nonetheless, De Bruyne stepped up to take the resulting penalty and unexpectedly missed.

Liverpool had a chance to go ahead just before the break, also. Alexander-Arnold made a late run into the box before being fed into his feet. His shot, however, was poor as Ederson gathered with relative ease.

The first half ended with the scoreline at 1-1. Liverpool largely dominated the first portion of the half, but Manchester City gradually grew into the game. The half time scoreline was probably a fair reflection on the first half proceedings.

The second half started as the first ended as both teams attacked with intent. Diogo Jota had a chance in the 48^th minute to add to his tally in recent weeks as Ederson’s palmed clearance fell to him. He scuffed his shot, though, and it was easily saved in the end.

Gabriel Jesus had a glorious opportunity to get his second in the 54^th minute. A pinpoint ball through from Cancelo left Jesus with acres of space in the box. The resulting header, however, went wide as Alisson breathe a sigh of relief.

Liverpool have had their injury troubles this season in the defensive area, particularly to Virgin Van Dijk. Their list of casualties was added to in the 63^rd minute as Trent Alexander-Arnold went down. He was forced off and replaced by James Miler. Thankfully though, the injury is not suspected to be long term.

After the Jesus chance, the chances dwindled as Manchester City controlled possession without creating much in terms of chances. Liverpool tried to move the ball quickly when they retained possession but time and time again failed to create chances in the final third.

The second half ended as it begun with the scoreline at 1-1. In truth, it was a poor second half, devoid of any real quality. The final score was probably a fair result with all things considered. Leicester remain top of the Premier League after their win earlier today.

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Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan; Torres (Silva 60′), De Bruyne, Sterling; Jesus.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold (Milner 63′), Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum; Jota, Firmino (Shaqiri 58′), Mané; Salah.

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