Man City: Citizens Start Title Defence With Comfortable 2-0 Win Over Unai Emery’s Arsenal (Photos & Video)

Alan Duffy

12th, August 2018

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Manchester City got their Premier League title off to a smooth start, courtesy of a comfortable 2-0 win over Arsenal as the Emirates.

Unai Emery was overseeing his first competitive game in charge of the Gunners and the Spaniard’s first 11 featured a couple of surprises, with Petr Cech getting the nod in goal over summer-signing Bernd Leno and teenager Mattéo Guendouzi starting in midfield.

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City were the better side throughout and took the lead on 14 minutes, with Raheem Sterling allowed to dribble inside far too easily before firing past Cech.

The Arsenal ‘keeper could arguably have done better with the goal but he would make amends with a number of fine saves. Although he did almost score one of the most embarrassing own-goals in many a year.

After the break, the hosts improved, with sub Alexandre Lacazette providing a focal point up front.

However, despite starting to threaten the City goal, it was the Gunners who would concede again, with Bernardo Silva producing a clinical finish from Benjamin Mendy’s second assist of the game.

The game would end 2-0 to Pep Guardiola’s side, with the title holders deserved winners.

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As for Arsenal, they showed glimpses of Emery’s favoured energetic pressing style. However, the Spaniard has much work to do.

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