‘If Only We’d Started Positive’ – Arsenal fanbase divided after stalemate with Manchester City | OneFootball

Arsenal Held by Manchester City in Tactical Chess Match, Says Robbie Lyle

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates sparked debate on AFTV, with Robbie Lyle delivering a typically passionate and honest post-match breakdown. Speaking alongside co-host Marty, Lyle dissected team selection, tactical choices and the game’s turning points with forensic attention to detail. The result left Arsenal five points behind early pace-setters Liverpool, with both Arsenal and Manchester City facing scrutiny over their performance levels.

Arteta’s Selection Called into Question

From the outset, Robbie Lyle questioned Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven. “I was baffled, Marty,” he said, highlighting his surprise at the inclusion of Merino and Leandro Trossard. “Trossard has been making more of an impact off the bench,” Robbie added, suggesting the Belgian’s early involvement lacked justification. The decision to start Merino in midfield particularly raised eyebrows. “That’s a bit negative,” Robbie said, noting the home advantage should have encouraged more attacking intent.

On the defensive setup, Lyle supported the return of William Saliba, especially given Erling Haaland’s threat. “We kept him very, very quiet apart from the goal,” he said. Despite this containment, City struck first with Haaland scoring after just eight minutes.

Tactical Shift at Half-Time Sparks Arsenal Revival

Robbie was keen to acknowledge Arteta’s changes after a disappointing first half. “To his credit, he realised he got it wrong at half-time,” he said. Substitutions proved pivotal. “He brought on Eze, he brought on Saka,” Robbie noted, emphasising the positive impact of both players.

Arsenal’s renewed energy post-interval turned the tide. “All of a sudden we started creating chances,” said Robbie. The Gunners piled on the pressure, forcing corner after corner. “I don’t really class it as a smash and grab,” he insisted, arguing Arsenal deserved at least a point. “Man City, they did nothing apart from the goal.”

City’s conservative approach stunned Lyle. “I couldn’t believe I was watching Man City,” he remarked. “They defended for the whole game.” He described it as a reversal of last season’s fixture, in which Arsenal had sat deep at the Etihad before conceding late. “It was roles reversed today,” Robbie said.

Martinelli Proves His Critics Wrong

Gabriel Martinelli’s equaliser drew praise from Robbie, who had previously heard calls for the Brazilian’s departure. “There were so many people saying to get rid of him,” he said. “He’s shown his worth.” After changing the game in midweek against Athletic Bilbao, Martinelli again delivered. “That’s a fantastic goal to beat Donnarumma one-on-one like that,” Robbie said, describing the finish as “a wonderful goal and a great moment for Martinelli.”

Robbie remained reflective about the result. “I just keep thinking if we’d have gone for it a bit earlier, I think we could have beaten them today,” he said. “I do believe we are a better side than them.”

Staying in Touch With Liverpool and Manchester City

Attention then turned to Arsenal’s position in the table. “It’s way too early in the season,” Robbie stressed, downplaying the significance of Liverpool’s five-point lead. While acknowledging their strong start, he noted, “Liverpool at the moment ain’t been firing, but they got the results.”

Despite recent criticism, Robbie remains confident in Arsenal’s credentials. “It’s not been a bad start,” he said. “We just got to stay in contact.” With Newcastle up next and a more favourable run of fixtures to follow, Lyle is optimistic. “We shown some fight, got back in the game, regroup,” he said. “It’s going to be a battle. I still think it’s going to be between us and Liverpool this season.”

Robbie concluded with a measured tone, recognising both Manchester City’s tactical retreat and Arsenal’s growing strength. “We’re not even out of September yet,” he said. “So I’m not deeply concerned yet.”