Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Kepa Arrizabalaga 1/10, duo get 2/10, quartet are 4/10
Arsenal failed to win the first trophy of the season as rivals Manchester City came out on top 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.
It was the first Carabao Cup final for the Gunners since getting beat by Man City in 2018, and Pep Guardiola was able to mastermind another victory.
James Trafford made a series of fine saves in quick succession in the first half to keep out Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, in the best chances of the match for the north London side.
In a tight encounter, it was a mistake from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga that led to Nico O’Reilly being able to head home the opening goal at the back post.
O’Reilly then headed home a second just four minutes later to end Arsenal’s quadruple dream, though the Gunners still hold the advantage in the race for the Premier League title.
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VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUBKai Havertz struggles for impact
With captain Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze both out of the final through injuries, Kai Havertz started in the number 10 role.
The 26-year-old could not build a relationship with Viktor Gyokeres, and the German was also unable to hold the ball up and bring others into play.
| Minutes Played | 66 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 0/4 |
| Ground Duels Won | 1/6 |
| Tackles Won | 0/1 |
It was no surprise when Havertz was replaced in the second half, but Mikel Arteta may have been too slow to make changes, with Man City already two goals up.
Declan Rice let down by Arsenal teammates
Declan Rice was once again Arsenal’s drive in midfield, and he covered every blade of grass to support his team going forward and defensively.
Rice has been a standout player for Arsenal this season, and he failed to get any help from his teammates as Man City turned the screw in the second half.
Arteta’s side need to ensure they win a trophy this season so Rice remains happy in north London, as the 27-year-old has proven his capabilities at the top level, and Football Insider was told by Keith Wyness that Arsenal need to sell players in order to fund their increasing wage bill.
Arsenal player ratings against Man City
- Kepa Arrizabalaga – 1
- Ben White – 3
- William Saliba – 4
- Gabriel – 4
- Piero Hincapie – 2
- Martin Zubimendi – 4
- Declan Rice – 6
- Bukayo Saka – 3
- Kai Havertz – 2
- Leandro Trossard – 3
- Viktor Gyokeres – 3
Substitutes
- Riccardo Calafiori (On for Piero Hincapie 65′) – 5
- Noni Madueke (On for Kai Havertz 66′) – 5
- Gabriel Martinelli (On for Trossard 82′) – 4
- Gabriel Jesus (On for Ben White 82′) – 4
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