Martin Odegaard capitalized for defense of defense to give Arsenal the lead after 105 seconds at home in Manchester City In the Premier League on Sunday – and former player Gunners Matt Upson said the leader of Cityzens Pep Guardiola had shown his feelings as his side fell back.
The city defender Manuel Akanji was expelled while falling into the ball just outside his own box as part of a move stated by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, with Guardiola’s first choice, Ederson, Missing from the match team with minor injury.
“Pep Guardiola walks back in his seat at a glance at his face,” Upson told the BBC Radio 5 Live. “He will be so frustrated with the beginning of his team.”
Kai Havertz fell into the box and Odegaard for a simple finish, as Arsenal put himself on to close the gap on Liverpool leaders in six points, though the reds will have a game in their hand.
Arsenal sinks into Manuel Akanji’s mistake and Martin Odegaard opens the score in two minutes! 💨 pic.twitter.com/hqsrrntdgV
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) 2 February 2025
Arsenal vs Man City: Odegaard ‘Primed’ for goal
John Stones also participated in the city’s error, making his first start in eight championship matches as part of an injury era.
“It was a little loose from Ortega, who took a long time as soon as he lived on the ball, waiting to see what would happen,” the former England Center-Back Upson observed.
“There was not much purpose or meaning or intensity. They try to play out of the back. It’s a sideline passed at not much pace in it.
“Arsenal goes to the full guy, Odegaard drives the charge, they turn it.
“It’s not a brilliant pass – a little scruffy – but Odegaard’s left foot is completely prepared for this kind of finishing. It just slides on the net under a little pressure from (Josko) Gvardiol. What a start to Arsenal.”
Kai Havertz Squanders the opportunity to double the advantage of Arsenal! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/loe4iurxfp
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) 2 February 2025
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Premier League table
The city immediately ended above Arsenal as Premier League Champions in 2023/24, but will be nine points behind Mikel Arteta’s team if they lose to the Emirates Stadium.
Victory will move Arsenal Three points over the third-on-line nottingham forest, who thrashed Brighton & Hove Albion 7-0 at home on Saturday.
Arsenal 1-0’s victory over Wolves on January 25th expanded their undefeated championship in 13 games, while the city’s victory over Chelsea meant six matches without a defeat on top flight.
