Man City player ratings vs Arsenal as Gvardiol and Rodri impress but Foden struggles

Manchester City and Arsenal saw Liverpool take the initiative in the Premier League title race after playing out a goalless draw at the Etihad.

In a game lacking chances and low on quality, it was the Gunners who will leave the happier, although Gabriel Jesus came close to giving them an advantage on a couple of occasions. Nathan Ake missed City's best chance in the first half and aside from that the hosts found it difficult to carve out clear opportunities, with Erling Haalkand starved of service.

City began the afternoon third in the league, chasing down the Gunners and Liverpool, and they saw Jurgen Klopp's side briefly move four points clear of them when they beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield. City are now three points behind the Reds and remain one behind Arsenal. Here's the player ratings from the Etihad.

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Ortega

His excellent claim from Arsenal's first corner of the game felt significant given the threat they can pose from set pieces. It sent out a strong message. 7

Akanji

Passing was crisp all afternoon and movement good at times to push beyond Rodri, an area he normally finds difficult when replicating the 'Stones role'. 7

Dias

Never troubled by Havertz but Arsenal rarely attacked right through the middle. Read the game well at times and shifted along a position when Ake went off. 7

Ake

Missed a big chance before his injury and loose with a pass out of defence. 5.

Gvardiol

Started shakily with a loose pass giving Arsenal a counter-attacking opportunity, but grew into the game. Held his width well and did a very good job on Saka. 7

Rodri

Got the better of Rice but it wasn't the kind of high-quality midfield battle we