At a Glance:
- Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
- Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal is up in the air.
- Kai Havertz’s impact on Mikel Arteta’s team is being debated.
There’s a sombre mood around Arsenal after Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten by Manchester City in a pivotal Premier League title clash on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners’ hopes of winning their first title in over 20 years were dented significantly as the Citizens narrowly edged them at the Etihad. The result has left the North Londoners just three points clear of Pep Guardiola’s men, who have a game in hand.
Not all is lost, however, as Arsenal showed some positive signs against the Sky Blues. A handful of players performed admirably, while Arteta might just have stumbled across a new formula for the rest of the season.
With that said, here is the latest Arsenal news today, including updates on the Premier League title race, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.
- READ MORE: Arsenal could still win the Premier League as Man City suffer blow nobody is talking about
Positive shoots for Arsenal despite gutting Man City loss
Arsenal and City played out a relatively even game at the Etihad, which was defined by some key moments. While the home side were clinical with their chances, with Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland ruthlessly dispatching their two opportunities, the Gunners were not.
Kai Havertz missed two gilt-edged chances for the travelling team, once denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma from point-blank range, and once heading over from an excellent Leandro Trossard cross.
However, while coming away with nothing is detrimental to Arsenal’s title bid, Arteta and Gunners supporters can take solace from the fact that they were creative in forward areas and looked threatening again. It’s been a while since they’ve been able to say this.
Gabriel Martinelli linked with PSG move
Arsenal are expected to sanction several departures this summer, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta feeling as though a squad reset is necessary. Among those who could leave is Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli is being heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, and the French club’s sporting director, Luis Campos, has even already initiated talks with the Brazilian’s representatives. According to L’Equipe, the Parisians are huge admirers of the Arsenal winger and sense they could land him this summer in an opportunistic move.
Arteta has clearly shown with his dedication to Trossard this season that he doesn’t view Martinelli as a prominent figure in the Gunners’ team anymore. This lowly status in the pecking order could ultimately pave the way for the 24-year-old’s exit.
Kai Havertz’s impact for Arsenal against Man City debated
Havertz was selected ahead of Viktor Gyokeres at the Etihad, in what was ultimately a controversial decision from Arteta. Gyokeres is Arsenal’s top scorer this term with 18 goals, but the Spaniard opted for Havertz’s technical security in Manchester.
The German’s impact has been widely debated. Some have been critical of Havertz’s finishing, blaming the former Chelsea man for the defeat after he wasted two huge chances.
However, others have been much more complimentary of the 26-year-old’s display, acknowledging the value that he provided. Not only did he lead the press effectively from the front, but he held the ball up well and provided Arsenal with a release valve in possession.
