Manchester City thrashed Arsenal 5-0 on Saturday, August 27, at the Etihad Stadium to mark the Gunners losing streak to three consecutive losses for the first time since 1954.
While the Gunners looked bright in the opening five minutes of the game, old habits re-emerged as Ilkay Gundogan was allowed a free header 3 feet away to give Guardiola’s side the lead.
Torres scored another goal in the 12th minute of the match. At this point, Arsenal players looked like they already accepted defeat, and Arteta’s body language on the bench was not good at all. The only chance the visitors had in the first half was when City’s keeper Ederson was reckless, and Smith-Rowe nearly scored from 2 meters.
In the 35th minute, Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka was given a red card for a tackle on Joao Cancelo.
Arsenal players were easily overmatched by City footballers, who were definitely not giving their 100% but still looked too strong. And when Rodri scored the fourth goal for the hosts, even the rest of the Arsenal fans started to jeer ironically. They just couldn’t do anything else. The fifth goal came from Torres again, finishing the horrible game for the Gunners, who are already in problems and in the relegation zone after three games.
After the game, City’s coach Pep Guardiola made the following statements.
“We found the goals. After Xhaka was sent off, it was easier for us.
“The game was good. We had problems with the process from Ederson.
“We are the same as we have been in the past two or three years in the past. A club has to try to improve and have a desire to get better... but with these players we are going to go." concluded Guardiola.