Josko Gvardiol and William Saliba led the defensive efforts of the two contenders in the goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Stefan Ortega’s replacement, Ederson, bossy and calm enough to faint and very little worked until the rescue at the end. 6
Manuel Akanji City’s slowest defender did not use the afterburners and moved to central defence when Nathan Aké limped off. 6
Rúben Dias: It’s a day of concentration but without too many drawbacks for the Portuguese centre-back. 6
Nathan Aké came close to scoring from a corner and then the afternoon ended with a disappointing 27 minutes due to injury. 6
Josko Gvardiol Impressive from the start, smart and with a clever touch. 7
Rodri Shot was blocked in the second half, tested with quick passes and clever dismissals as he (and City) dominated possession. 6
Mateo Kovacic inspired the home crowd with a shot that he almost missed after the break and then substituted. 6
Bernardo Silva floated down the pitch to create an additional midfield or shouldered down the right but disappointed. 5
Kevin De Bruyne has stepped up as the competition has aged. Free kicks, corners and corners were his as the Belgian continued to look for the breakthrough. 7
Phil Foden Barely visual until a 20-yard attempt was offloaded; He retired after the break. 5
Erling Haaland With an infrequent serve, he stopped to play and missed a golden opportunity with an aerial shot. 5
Substitutes: Rico Lewis (for Aké 27) Surprisingly little used this season, he has adapted comfortably; 6 ; Jack Grealish (for Kovacic 61) 7; Jérémy Doku (for Foden 61) 7
David Raya survived a nervous breakout in the 74th minute. The game was slowed down by a control order for which he earned a yellow card.
Ben White, the full-back, barely tested through Foden on his wing, so his homework is well done. 6
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William Saliba He and White had to be alert on the right of the Gunners’ defence, which remained intact. 6
Gabriel was very happy to see how the anonymous Haaland until a push from the number 9 suggested a headed goal. 6
Jakub Kiwior The 24-year-old made mistakes that ruined Arsenal’s preparation and gave their manager some breathing room. 6
Declan Rice called for the ball under pressure to relieve his teammates and took to the field to test and create. 7
Jorginho 6 Like Robin in Rice’s Batman, he allowed the former to move, if he could, while Arsenal were content to fight back.
Martin Ødegaard saw the City midfielder pass by, his defensive breaker in front of Bukayo Saka deserved a pass. 7
Bukayo Saka After a corner from the right, a cross from the winger to Jesus illustrated the quality. 6
Gabriel Jesus chested down and missed shot, as did the rolling effort afterwards. Admonished for an uneventful exit. Replaced. 5
Kai Havertz Poor service until a run on Ødegaard’s track ended in ruins for Ortega. 6
Substitutes: Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Kiwior 66) 6; Thomas Partey (for Jorginho 66) 6; Léandro Trossard (for Jesus 72); Gabriel Martinelli (for Saka 78) 6