In order to proceed in the FA Cup on Friday, Manchester City defeated Arsenal at home. The hosts won the game thanks to a single goal from Nathan Ake. The City will now compete in the competition’s round of 16 and attempt to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2019.
Even though it was a fourth-round cup match, the contest on Friday was one of the most eagerly awaited games of the year. Without a question, the top two teams in England throughout the current season have been Arsenal and City. They have each lost just seven of their previous 57 games across all competitions coming into the matchup.
The game began evenly, as was to be expected. In the first 30 minutes, the hosts possessed the ball more, as one might anticipate given Manchester City’s presence. Arsenal, however, enjoyed the two best scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega of City stopped good attempts from Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard in the game’s early going.
Perhaps the most noticeable feature of a scoreless first half was an injury. John Stones, the center back, had to be replaced late in the time after what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Aymeric Laporte entered the contest just before halftime.
City defeats Arsenal in the second half of their FA Cup game.
The defending Premier League winners increased their effort in the second half, much like they did in City’s recent match against Tottenham Hotspur. The turning point in the game occurred in the 64th minute. From a distance, Julian Alvarez made contact with the post’s base. Then Jack Grealish received the ball inside the box. Grealish connected with Nathan Ake, who skillfully tucked the ball away.
However, the goal seemed to reawaken Arsenal. A few minutes later, Eddie Nketiah came close to tying the score. Just a few yards from the goal, the striker had a great opportunity to score, but he was unable to make strong contact with the ball.
However, a tough City defense proved to be too much for the league leaders to overcome. Only two of Arsenal’s shots on goal came in the first half. In the upcoming league match, the Gunners will play Everton, whereas City will play Spurs once more.
