Robbie AFTV “Man City have got a new fear of Arsenal.” | OneFootball

Arsenal vs Manchester City: A Riveting 2-2 Draw that Proves Arsenal’s Title Credentials

Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad has left football fans buzzing, not only because of the scoreline but because of the sheer quality of the performance from both sides. AFTV’s Robbie Lyle and his panel dissected the game, offering passionate insights into what this result means for both clubs. In a podcast full of lively debate, the match is hailed as one of the most intense encounters between the two Premier League giants this season.

Arsenal’s Defensive Masterclass Against City

Robbie Lyle was full of praise for Arsenal’s performance, especially considering the challenging circumstances. “To hold out for 45 minutes, well, nearly longer than that when you add on all the extra time, against the champions here… that was an unbelievable defensive performance.”

Despite Arsenal playing the majority of the second half with ten men, they showcased an immense defensive effort. Robbie pointed out that, although Manchester City eventually equalized through a deflected goal, Arsenal were deserving of the win. “We deserved to win this game today,” he asserted, but lamented that the game was “ruined by these new directives or whatever from the referee and inconsistencies yet again.”

Arsenal’s defensive performance was highlighted repeatedly, with mentions of players like Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and the back four who were “absolutely amazing.” Robbie was quick to note how this resolute defence left Manchester City rattled, stating that “Man City have got a new fear of Arsenal. They know what we’re made of now.”

Referee Inconsistencies Still Haunt the Game

A major point of contention throughout the podcast was the performance of the referees, with Robbie and the panel expressing frustration at their perceived inconsistencies. Robbie drew comparisons to past games, stating, “If Trossard kicks the ball away, then why was Doku not booked for doing the exact same thing earlier on in that half?”

In a heated discussion, Robbie voiced a widely shared concern among Arsenal fans: that the referees’ decisions are not just poor but also lacking consistency. “We see it week in, week out. What are they going to come and say about this one?” he asked, questioning whether any significant changes would be made to address the glaring refereeing issues.

Photo: IMAGO

These frustrations were shared by other contributors on the podcast, with one contributor highlighting how the referees’ interventions are becoming a bigger talking point than the actual football. “Every week we know the referees more than the players because we’re coming out every week and we’re talking about these guys.”

Manchester City Feeling the Pressure

The panel was unanimous in their agreement that this match showed a significant shift in Manchester City’s approach to facing Arsenal. “Rodri… was celebrating a draw against 10 men Arsenal,” Robbie quipped, referring to City’s star midfielder’s reaction at the end of the match. According to Robbie, this reaction from City and their fans shows how much they now respect Arsenal as serious contenders for the title.

“City were rattled today,” Robbie added, emphasising that had the game stayed 11 against 11, Arsenal would likely have emerged victorious. This sentiment was echoed by another contributor who pointed out that after Manchester City’s equaliser, the champions “looked more worried than Tottenham” in the face of Arsenal’s threat, particularly on set-pieces.

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Are Alive

Despite the frustrations with refereeing and missed opportunities, Robbie ended on a high note, expressing immense pride in the team’s performance. “We’ve had three of the toughest away games that you can have in this league… we’ve not lost the game.”

The podcast concluded with an optimistic outlook for Arsenal’s title chances this season. Robbie pointed out that Arsenal’s ability to pick up points from tough fixtures is a testament to the quality of this team. “The signs are good,” he said, confident that this squad has what it takes to go all the way this season. “This Arsenal team is serious.”

This draw might just be a sign that Arsenal are no longer simply challengers but genuine contenders for the Premier League crown. Both City and the rest of the league should take notice — Arsenal are here to compete.