It was supposed to be a great derby, full of chances and excitement, as it was possibly a title decider, but it turned out to be one ugly affair where the pupil (Mikel Arteta) mimicked the teacher (Pep Guardiola), and both teams just cancelled each other: City – Arsenal 0-0. In 90 minutes, we saw only three good chances and both teams were stopped by each other. One shot on target for the hosts (none in the second half) and two for the guests say it all. Arsenal could be happier after the game since they broke the negative record of eight consecutive defeats at Etihad and won a point for the first time since 2016. They have four points from City this season, and they have clearly matured.Man City and Arsenal played out a goalless draw for the first time since January 2011. https://t.co/AofWK89oJg— Squawka (@Squawka) March 31, 2024 A big surprise in the Man City squad before the game was John Stones’ appearance on the bench, considering he was ruled out by Pep Guardiola in his pre-match press conference. Kyle Walker and Ederson didn’t make it due to injuries, while Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta made just one change from Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Porto last time out. Gabriel Jesus returned to the starting XI and he replaces Leandro Trossard. ⭐️ Rodri | POTM – @ManCity 0-0 Arsenal#MCIARS pic.twitter.com/uwSCRxXgjB— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 31, 2024 The first half was a pretty boring one, mainly due to the fact that both teams cancelled each other out. City did have over 70% of possession, but Arsenal allowed that with their decision to sit deep. Haaland had just seven touches in the first half, while Saka, on the other hand, was barely seen. There were only two visible chances from both clubs, and Arsenal had their first in the 7th minute, but Jesus’ shot ended up just near the post. As for the hosts, they really had a stunning chance eight minutes later. Ake jumped above all after a corner kick but managed to shoot straight at Raya from only three meters. The defender later got injured and was replaced by Rico Lewis in the first half. Youngest-ever Arsenal and Premier League player signs his first professional contract with GunnersArsenal looked livelier at the start of the second half, and Saka finally showed signs of life in the 52nd minute when he burst from the right flank and sent a sharp cross in the penalty area, but Jesus was short just 20cm from the ball. But after that, it all just went back to the same old boring display with only two great chances near the end of the match. Haaland had the first and only good chance in the whole match in the 84th minute and had only Raya to beat from close range, but he totally missed the ball, and it was ruled a goal kick. Odegaard passed the ball through for Trossard who didn’t saw Martinelli in the box and took a shot from a tight angle, only to see Orgeta catching it without a problem just two minutes later. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 30 Saturday Newcastle – West Ham 4-3 (1-2)/Isak 6 pen, 77 pen, Barnes 83, 90 – Antonio 21, Kudus 45+10, Bowen 48/Bournemouth – Everton 2-1 (0-0)/Solanke 64, Coleman 90+1 og – Beto 88/Chelsea – Burnley 2-2 (1-0)/Palmer 45 pen, 78 – Cullen 48, O’Shea 81/Nott.Forest – Crystal Palace 1-1 (0-1)/Wood 61 – Mateta 11/Sheffield Utd – Fulham 3-3 (0-0)/Brereton Diaz 58, 69, McBurnie 68 – Palhinha 62, De Cordova-Reid 85, Muniz 90+3/Tottenham – Luton 2-1 (0-1)/Kabore 51 og, Johnson 86 – Chong 3/Aston Villa – Wolverhampton 2-0 (1-0)/Diaby 36, Konsa 65/Brentford – Man.Utd.1-1 (0-0)/Ajer 90+9 – Mount 90+6/Sunday Liverpool – Brighton 2-1 (1-1)/Diaz 27, Salah 65 – Welbeck 2/Man.City – Arsenal 0-0
