Mikel Arteta's decision to start Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of Ben White for Arsenal's clash against Manchester City backfired inside the first 25 minutes. Tomiyasu played a blind pass back towards Aaron Ramsdale which Kevin De Bruyne pounced upon to lift the ball into the back of the Gunners' net.
The Japanese defender has completed 90 minutes on just three occasions so far this season due to injuries and White's impressive form at right-back. Following the return of William Saliba to the Emirates Stadium after a successful loan spell with Marseille, Arteta decided to shift the English defender to right-back given his versatility.
Tomiyasu found it hard to break into the first team but has enjoyed strong performances against Liverpool and Manchester United. The Japan international's error in defence saw the visitors take an early lead before Bukayo Saka equalised from the penalty spot after Ederson fouled Eddie Nketiah.
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Thomas Partey was ruled out of the game against City due to a tight muscle in his back with Arteta opting to leave him out of his squad as a precaution. The only other change saw Tomiyasu come into the team with White dropping to the bench.
After a solid start to the game, the Japanese defender did not check before playing a pass back to Ramsdale with Jack Grealish pressuring him, allowing De Bruyne to beat the goalkeeper and Gabriel Magalhaes to the ball and put City 1-0 up. Tomiyasu had a glorious chance to redeem himself but he put his right-footed attempt over Ederson's crossbar.
Martin Odegaard was quick to help encourage the defender to keep going and not let his head drop after the error. The Arsenal captain ran over to Tomiyasu and tapped him on the chin to lift his head with still plenty of time left to play in the match.
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