Last year’s FA Cup finalists have been beaten 16 times since Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, with 11 taking place after letting in the first goal. Nine of those matches have seen them fire blanks as they similarly did on Sunday.
It was also a peripheral evening for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was barely involved despite Arsenal having 45 percent of possession.
When it comes to team selection, what should be Arteta’s priority? Tonight and the second leg? Or City on Sunday? Personally, I think these two games with Benfica have to take preference. If he’s going to make changes, it should be against City. Charles Watts (@charles watts) February 18, 2021
It was Sterling who scored the only goal of the game in the second minute of Sunday s 1-0 win over Arsenal, meaning he now has five goals and two assists in his last eight Premier League matches.
He also has 20 goals in away league matches since the start of last season, more than any other player in the top-flight. This was the third straight year he has netted on the road against the Gunners, something only two other players have ever done.
This latest victory saw City extend their winning streak to 18 matches in all competitions, 12 of which have come in the Premier League as they re-established their 10-point lead at the top.
Willian has struggled since his move from Arsenal to Chelsea and has come in for some stinging criticism from fans, but has the the Brazil international been that bad for the Gunners?
Kevin De Bruyne is fit again after a month on the sidelines but it's by no means certain that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will put the brilliant Belgian straight back into his starting line-up