Onuoha explains why Man City could not break down Arsenal in crunch PL clash at Etihad Stadium

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has explained the reason behind his former side's inability to break down Arsenal in the Premier League fixture played between them at the Etihad  Stadium on Sunday evening.

Heading into the clash, the Citizens needed a win to usurp Arsenal on the league standings while the Gunners also needed a victory to keep their position atop the table.

The game ended in a barren draw with chances few and far between the defending champions and the visitors.

Despite recording 12 shots in the game, six more than Mikel Arteta's side, the home team could only manage a single shot on target, evidencing how brilliantly Arsenal defended all game.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Onuoha explained why the Citizens found it difficult to create chances against the Gunners.

"They have the best defensive record to this point and they defend very well from the front but every time City would break their press, I think Guardiola said in an interview afterward that all of a sudden, they dropped back into a low block, dropping there with six players and the back four was so narrow at times."

"Stevie I think hit the nail on the head, to break down teams like that, you need perfection, maybe you need a worldie from 25 yards out but for City that wasn't going to be the case today for them, unfortunately."

The result marked the first time the Gunners will pick a point at the Etihad since 2016, ending an eight-year wait for a result on Manchester City's home ground.

Pep Guardiola's side are in third position in the Premier League table with 64 points while Arsenal occupy the second spot with 65 points which is two less than the table-toppers, Liverpool.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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