Manchester City battered Arsenal 4-2 today. After a dominate 1st half performance by the Gunners, Manchester City gave them a good pasting in the 2nd half. I don’t know what Mark Hughes said to his men at half-time, but whatever it was, it worked to perfection. Unfortunately for City, their great performance is not what the papers will be shouting about tomorrow morning. A deliberate and provocative celebration by Adebayor against his old club Arsenal is what will dominate the headlines on the back pages. Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate his header and Manchester City’s 3rd goal, which obviously incited fury from the Gunners fans.
What he did was wrong. He should know better. Adebayor has obviously dreamed of shoving it down the Arsenal fans throats following months of abuse by them. But so much has been written about City and Arsenal before the season started and we all know there is no love lost between Hughes and Wenger. It certainly appears as though a new rivalry has been born between these two teams and Adebayor is more than happy to lead City from the front lines. This is the first of many battles. Arsenal fans 0 Manchester City fans 1.
City’s 4-2 defeat over Arsenal illustrates how Mark Hughes and his men are ready to prove they can win the title. They have been ripped by many in the media for spending tons of money in the summer transfer market. People have questioned Mark Hughes and his ability to manage a group of growing stars. Bets have been made on whether or not they can break into the so-called Top 4. Well today, Manchester City were able to put some of their critics in their place with a dominant performance. Oh and by the way…they did it without Tevez and Robinho.
Arsenal looked in control of the game in the first half. They had good possession and it appeared as though they could do some damage. But some of their final balls and overall attempts on goal lacked bite. Sure Van Persie and Rosicky scored and the latter looked bright when he came on as a substitute for Arsenal, but it just wasn’t enough. And in the second half, Manchester City took over completely and whipped Arsenal about the pitch like jockeys on a race horse. Adebayor tortured his old team both in attack and defense. I lost count how many Arsenal corners he cleared away with his head. He played with a chip on his shoulder and it worked for him and City.
Once again there are many question marks against Arsenal. The finger will be pointed at Wenger for not splashing the cash in the transfer market. In today’s game, money definitely was the one doing the talking and winning. You could see City’s investments on the pitch and it was fruitful for them today. Let’s remember this is a long season. We still have to see how City perform in adversity. For now, they are enjoying their winning ways. And for now, it’s Arsenal that have to show what they will do in adversity.
Was this game proof that Manchester City will finish above Arsenal this season? Do you think City can win the whole enchilada? Can Adebayor finish as the Premier League’s top scorer? Do City need Robinho and should they let him go to Barcelona? Should Wenger have taken Bendtner off instead of Denilson? Should he give Jack Wilshere more playing time? What’s wrong with Fabregas? Who is getting the drinks in?
Finally, the agonizing wait is over. The greatest show on earth is back. The passion, the agony and the ecstasy of the Premier League is already in full swing. I loved every single second of opening weekend. How was it for you?