Manchester City have drawn 0-0 with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, and Peter Schmeichel noted one player struggled for the hosts against the Gunners.
City could not find a way through a stubborn Arsenal defence today, and really lacked creativity in the final third.
Arsenal were very compact and a lot of City’s possession was in front of the penalty.
There were only a few glimpses of the goal throughout the whole match, with Nathan Ake perhaps having the best chance in the first-half with a header from point-blank range.
It was an afternoon where City’s creative players did not really step up – and Peter Schmeichel believes Phil Foden struggled…
Peter Schmeichel suggests Phil Foden struggled to have an influence for Man City against Arsenal
It is not the worst result for City, but Liverpool beating Brighton earlier today makes it slightly frustrating.
City dominated the ball but never truly threatened David Raya in the Arsenal goal.
Former City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was watching the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, and noted that Foden was someone who struggled to have an impact in particular.
He said (via BBC Sport): “Pep Guardiola has turned to his bench to ask Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku to warm up. I think he’s going to take Phil Foden off, he’s not been at his best today.”
Foden has regularly been City’s main man this season, but against Arsenal he couldn’t really make much of an impact.
He was replaced on the hour mark by Jeremy Doku, after having just 48 touches of the ball (via Sofascore). Of the players that started for City, only Erling Haaland and Ake (who went off injured) had fewer touches. For some perspective, Stefan Ortega had 45 touches.
The England international unfortunately also had zero shots on target.
Not Foden’s day
Credit must go to Arsenal for the way they defended at the Etihad.
Their shape made life very difficult for City’s attacking players, with chief creator De Bruyne also having an off day.
£225,000-a-week star Foden has been brilliant all season though so fans cannot be too frustrated with him.
The 23-year-old will know he wasn’t quite at his best today, but will be determined to make amends in midweek when City take on Aston Villa on Wednesday.