Just when Manchester City thought they had found a way to navigate past their injury woes, the team has been hit with another massive setback. The defending champions stepped onto the field without the pair of Kyle Walker and John Stones, with the English duo absent after picking up injuries during the international break.

Pep Guardiola brought in Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake to serve as the central pair but had to change his plans within the first half. Dutch star Nathan Ake, who put on a great showing during the first 25 minutes, was seen struggling with his fitness and had to be taken off the field, with young star Rico Lewis brought in to serve as his replacement.

This is a colossal blow for the side, who has now lost three of their first-team defenders to injuries. The club has yet to issue any official update on the Dutchman’s injury, and fans might have to wait for the manager to provide an update on the defender after the final whistle. Both Manchester City and Arsenal have failed to find the opening goal in the first half of the contest and will be eager to secure a win to climb up the points table.

Manchester City and Arsenal still in the hunt for the opening goal

The first half of the contest has seen some good football from both teams. While Manchester City has dominated possession like most of their games, Arsenal has done a good job of keeping their shape against the home team’s relentless attacks. Pep Guardiola’s men had the chance to find the opening goal in the first half. Kevin De Bruyne put in a great cross inside the box with a corner with Nathan Ake finding perfect contact with the ball. However, the Dutchman found David Raya, who had no issues stopping the shot.

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Arsenal, too, had the perfect chance to score in the closing minutes of the first half with Bukayo Saka putting a brilliant ball inside the box. However, Manuel Akanji did a great job of blocking Gabriel Jesus from connecting with the ball to keep the game at a standstill. With the second-half in play, both teams will be eager to bag the win as a draw would give Liverpool a perfect lead in the title race.

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