Manchester City star Erling Haaland has struggled against the Premier League's top six teams away from Etihad Stadium but there were no signs of those issues on Wednesday evening. City's talisman caused numerous problems for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes before rounding off his performance with a goal.
The Gunners were able to match the physicality and intensity of City in the opening 45 minutes with Haaland, City's main threat, enduring a difficult opening period. Chaos ensued in the box to allow Haaland to fire a shot at goal but that was his only major sight of the net in the first 45.
Pep Guardiola isn't exactly known for having a pragmatic playstyle but with Arsenal squeezing high up the pitch, the visitors were forced to go long at points which did see Haaland out-muscle Saliba to win back possession before being fouled which likely indicated he could have the advantage in ground duels.
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As the game went on Haaland got much more joy and an example of his ridiculous speed and strength was on display just before the hour mark. A hopeful ball over the Arsenal backline was latched onto by Haaland and as he raced into the box he was pulled to the ground by Gabriel with Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot.
With a major decision given, VAR checked the necessary moments leading up to the foul and it was clear to see Haaland was just offside. Nonetheless, it was a massive warning sign for Arsenal and Gabriel, but it was one they did not learn from.
In the 72nd minute, City went back in front after Gabriel gave the ball away in midfield with Guardiola's side eventually working the ball to Grealish who swept home. Haaland then also got free in the box to give City a two-goal advantage and put the contest to bed.
In the first half of the season, Arteta had a firm Premier League XI and, unless forced, there was no reason to change things but as the season elapsed squad players, new signings and injuries have seen that preferred starting lineup change over time. Rotation has occurred in most positions but in the centre of defence that is yet to really happen.
The Gunners brought in Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in January with the latter duo making impacts on the first team. Substitutions mid-game are far less likely to occur involving defenders which is perhaps why Arsenal fans are yet to see Kiwior in action.
The 22-year-old Polish international, despite his age, has a wealth of experience already at the elite level. He featured 20 times for Spezia in Serie A this season and played all of Poland's games at the World Cup.
Gabriel and Saliba have proven to be an excellent partnership but squad depth and options in certain positions now allows Arteta to mix things up if it's not going to plan. Jorginho and Trossard have already taken minutes away from regular first-teamers and Kiwior is likely chomping at the bit for an opportunity to stake his claim in the team and it could be at the expense of Gabriel.
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