ARSENAL were booted out of the Carabao Cup after a quarter-final defeat to Mikel Arteta’s old side Manchester City.
The Gunners went down 4-1 at the Emirates as there was no respite in the cup for the beleaguered North Londoners.
Runar Alex Runarsson’s howler gave Manchester City the lead for a second timeCredit: AP:Associated Press
Gabriel Martinelli set up Arsenal’s only goal before trudging off injured straight after half-timeCredit: PA:Press Association
No2 keeper Runar Alex Runnarsson dropped an absolute howler to allow Riyad Mahrez’s tame looking free-kicking slip through his grasp and into the net.
Gabriel Martinelli had looked a bright spark on his return after nine months on the treatment table and set up Alexandre Lacazette for the equaliser after Gabriel Jesus’ header just three minutes in.
But the Brazilian limped off two minutes into the second-half before Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte scored to rub more salt into Arteta’s wounds.
SunSport’s Duncan Wright hands out his ratings on the Arsenal side.
Runar Alex Runnarsson – 4/10
Runar Alex Runnarson had a night to forget in the Arsenal goalCredit: Reuters
Beaten to the punch by Jesus’ header to endure a nightmare start to the game.
Looked scared stiff every time the ball was near him – only to pull off a point blank save to deny the Brazilian when clean through.
But had an absolute shocker allowing the ball to slip through his hands for Mahrez’s free-kick.
Shkodran Mustafi – 5
Took up completely the wrong position as City opened the scoring, failing to do his first job of dealing with the cross at the near post.
Booked for hauling down Jesus after again being exposed. Avoided any further calamity, but not good enough by half.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 5
Allowed Jesus to run in front of him as City took the early lead. Then conceded cheap free-kick which led to second goal.
Not the finest hour for the senior centre-back.
Sead Kolasinac – 6
Got away with one when he allowed Laporte a free header from a corner which went narrowly wide.
Full of effort, but looked rusty on occasions.
Cedric Soares – 5
Didn’t get out quickly enough to stop Zinchenko crossing for the opening goal.
Steady enough for the most part, but looked what he is – a second string defender. Went missing as City broke on the left for the third goal.
Mohamed Elneny – 6
Closest he got to anyone in opening stages was scything down Jesus to earn 22nd minute booking.
Commitment never found wanting, but the same cannot be said for his quality. Hauled off just after the hour.
Dani Ceballos – 5
Dani Ceballos clashed with Fernandinho in midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Loved a scream and roll at the slightest touch, not so keen to do the dirty work trying to control the midfield.
Gave away the ball cheaply which led to City counter-attacking for the killer third.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6
Chased shadows early on but grew into the game as Arsenal finally started to compete in midfield.
Struggled to make any real impact though and disappointed overall.
Joe Willock – 6
Another who started slowly as City came out of the traps, but settled and played a lovely ball through to Martinelli which almost created a second.
Has the quality, but couldn’t stamp his mark.
Alexandre Lacazette – 7
Dropped deep as he was starved of possession, but when the chance arrived produced a top header to level the scores.
One of the few bright lights in a disappointing display, and never hid.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Gabriel Martinelli was injured in a collision with City keeper Zack SteffenCredit: PA:Press Association
Looked the most likely source of attacking threat with his pace and did brilliantly to cross for Lacazette to score the equaliser.
Commitment and determination inspired his side – only to limp off just after the break through injury.
SUBS
Nicolas Pepe (on for Martinelli, 49) – 6
Emile Smith Rowe (on for Elneny, 66) – 7
Impressed with some nice touches as he looks to prove he is worth some more game time.
Folarin Balogun (on for Lacazette, 77) – 6
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
