Arsenal battled to a 0-0 draw away at Manchester City on Sunday, but whilst some have criticised the display, it was a strong defensive performance.
Mikel Arteta set his team up to restrict Man City, and this was clearly effective as they managed just one shot on target, and failed to score at home in the league for the first time since October 2021.
Many were critical of the game as a whole, which was far from the entertainment provided by both side’s other title clashes with Liverpool, but Arsenal did also receive some credit for the way they effectively shut City’s attack out of the game.
Arsenal will face very different opposition in Luton Town at the Emirates tonight, and their manager Rob Edwards has now praised the Gunners for their performance at the Etihad Stadium.
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Rob Edwards praises Arsenal for performance at Man City
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Edwards highlighted the tactical battle between Arteta and Pep Guardiola as interesting, despite the game not being obviously entertaining in terms of goals or drama.
“I found it fascinating. Tactically it was really, really interesting,” he stated.
“We talk about Arsenal with the ball, obviously Manchester City are incredible as well, and at City’s place, they forced Arsenal into a into a lower position.
“Arsenal’s defensive solidity, concentration and the way they dealt with it, was brilliant.
“I know for a lot of neutrals and people watching, it might not have been what they wanted to see, they would rather see a four all or something.
“But with the stakes so high and what that game meant, I thought there were some brilliant performances on the pitch, but maybe not the entertainment that the public would have wanted to see.”
Arsenal will face a different test to Man City in Luton Town
Whilst both of Arsenal’s league encounters with Man City this season has seen just one goal scored, in Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner at the Emirates in October, it is a different story with Luton.
Arsenal’s trip to Luton in December saw them go 3-2 down after taking the lead, but the visitors dramatically secured all three points as Declan Rice nodded in a last-minute winner.
Arteta will be hoping that tonight’s game is more straightforward, but it will take some adjustment to switch from playing on the back foot in terms of possession, to playing at home and expecting to press high and dominate the ball.