Chapter 45 : Arsenal
December 19, 2015 – Matchday
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
The Etihad Stadium was buzzing with excitement as Manchester City prepared to take on Arsenal in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. With both teams sitting high in the table, the match promised to be a thrilling encounter. Manchester City had remained unbeaten for the season so far, with Nico Cruyff becoming a star player for the team.
Inside the locker room, Pep Guardiola stood at the front, focusing intently on his players as he laid out the tactical plan for the match. The team gathered around, paying close attention. Guardiola spoke confidently, his eyes scanning the faces of his players, emphasizing the importance of staying composed and controlling the game.
"We know Arsenal will come at us hard," Pep began. "Their midfield, with the likes of Cazorla and Coquelin, will press us high. We need to be ready for that and use quick, short passes to move through the lines. Their defense is vulnerable to pace, so we need to exploit the flanks."
He paused for a moment, his gaze turning toward Nico. "Nico, they will try to isolate you on the wing. You'll have Bellerín on your side; use your speed and precision to pull him out of position. If they press, look for the diagonal runs—Kevin and Yaya will be there."
The players nodded in agreement, understanding the challenge ahead. "It's not just about controlling the ball today," Guardiola continued, "it's about keeping the tempo high, pressing when we don't have the ball, and using our width to stretch them out. We've prepared well, but we must execute."
With those final instructions, the players stood up, their eyes filled with focus as they prepared to head out onto the pitch. The match was set to be a crucial one, and Guardiola made sure they were mentally and tactically ready to face one of the toughest teams in the league.
The atmosphere was electric as Manchester City prepared to take on Arsenal at home.
____________
Got it! Here's the corrected version:
As the players made their way out of the tunnel, the atmosphere at the Etihad was electric. Manchester City and Arsenal, both high-flying teams, were ready for what promised to be a thrilling encounter. The fans roared in anticipation as the teams took their positions on the field.
In the commentary booth, veteran commentator Peter Drury began his breakdown of the starting lineups. "We're in for a treat today, folks. The Premier League's best attacking team, Manchester City, takes on one of their closest challengers, Arsenal. The City fans will be hoping to see another masterclass from their young prodigy, Nico Cruyff."
Co-commentator Martin Tyler added, "And what a player Cruyff has been for City. A 15-year-old who has taken the league by storm with his performances—25 goals and 23 assists in just 20 matches across all competitions. He's been nothing short of sensational."
The camera zoomed in on the starting XI of both teams. For Manchester City, Joe Hart started in goal, with a backline of Bacary Sagna, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, and Aleksandar Kolarov. In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Touré, and Fernandinho were the key figures, with Raheem Sterling, Sergio Agüero, and Nico Cruyff making up the attacking trio.
Peter continued, "And here's the attacking quartet—Agüero at the tip, with Sterling on the left, and Nico Cruyff on the right. Watch for Nico to drift inside and link up with De Bruyne. He's been the catalyst for so many City attacks."
Martin Tyler then shifted his attention to Arsenal's lineup. "Arsène Wenger sticks with his familiar 4-3-3 formation. In goal, Petr Čech starts, while the back four consists of Héctor Bellerín, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, and Nacho Monreal. In midfield, Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, and Mesut Özil will look to dictate play. Up front, it's Alexis Sánchez, Olivier Giroud, and Theo Walcott."
Peter Drury added, "Arsenal, with their pace and technical brilliance, will look to exploit City's high defensive line. This will be a battle of speed and precision, and with players like Özil and Alexis in their ranks, Arsenal can be dangerous."
With the lineups explained, the stage was set for what was sure to be an exciting match between two of the Premier League's finest. The players took their positions, and the referee blew his whistle, signaling the start of the game. The Etihad was ready for a showdown.
________
The match was being completely dominated by Manchester City from the first minute. The tempo was electric, with Nico Cruyff and Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield, leaving Arsenal's defense chasing shadows. Every time City came forward, they looked dangerous, and the Arsenal defense was struggling to cope with the precision and fluidity of City's play.
In the 7th minute, Kevin De Bruyne made a perfect pass to Nico, who had been drifting between the lines, causing problems for Arsenal's defense. Nico controlled the ball with his first touch and, with a flick of his boot, he left Santi Cazorla standing as he danced around him. Then, with composure, Nico sent a beautifully weighted long ball toward Sergio Agüero, who had peeled away from Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
The ball reached Aguero in the perfect spot, and with just the goalkeeper to beat, Aguero volleyed it with precision into the bottom corner past Petr Čech. The Etihad erupted as the ball hit the back of the net.
Peter Drury, his voice full of excitement, called the moment: "What a pass from Nico Cruyff! And what a finish from Aguero! A perfect team goal, and City take the lead! The connection between Cruyff and De Bruyne is absolutely sensational tonight!"
Martin Tyler added, "Absolutely, Peter. City are playing some breathtaking football, and Arsenal just can't live with it. That was a brilliant assist from Cruyff—he's been phenomenal this season and is continuing to prove why he's one of the best young talents in the world."
Nico's influence on the match was already evident. His creativity and vision were on full display, and it was clear that City were in control, looking for more.
____________
City continued to push forward relentlessly, maintaining their dominance over Arsenal. The intensity of their play was overwhelming, with Nico Cruyff and Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings from midfield. The pressure was mounting on Arsenal, and they struggled to cope with City's fast-paced, high-intensity attack.
In the 29th minute, Nico Cruyff, always looking for an opportunity to strike, found space just outside the box. Spotting Petr Čech slightly off his line, Nico took a risk and unleashed a powerful long-range shot from 30 meters. The ball soared through the air, curling toward the top corner, but Čech reacted quickly, diving to his left to make a fantastic save. The Arsenal keeper got a strong hand to it, but it deflected out for a corner.
Peter Drury, narrating the action, said: "What a strike from Nico Cruyff! Čech did well to get across and make the save, but that was a powerful shot! City are turning up the heat in this one."
Martin Tyler quickly followed up: "Absolutely, Peter. Cruyff has been magnificent today. Even though Čech kept it out, you can feel the pressure building on this Arsenal side."
With the corner awarded, Nico Cruyff stepped up to take it. As always, his deliveries were precise and well-placed. He swung the ball into the box, aiming for Vincent Kompany who was charging forward. Kompany, with his trademark aerial prowess, leaped above the Arsenal defenders and made perfect contact with the ball, sending it past Čech and into the back of the net.
Peter Drury exclaimed, "And it's Kompany! What a header! City double their lead! Nico's delivery was spot-on, and Kompany's power and precision make it 2-0 to Manchester City!"
Martin Tyler added, "You couldn't ask for a better corner, and Kompany's header is a thing of beauty. City are in control, and Arsenal have a mountain to climb now."
City's clinical finishing and excellent team play left Arsenal with little to do but chase the game, knowing that City's attack was too much to handle.
____________
In the 30th minute, shortly after Sergio Agüero had his shot saved by Petr Čech, Manchester City were awarded yet another corner. The pressure was mounting on Arsenal, and City looked to capitalize once again.
Kevin De Bruyne stood over the ball, ready to deliver. He played a short pass to Nico Cruyff, who was positioned just outside the box. With his trademark composure, Nico set the ball up, took a quick glance at the goal, and unleashed a stunning volley. The ball rocketed towards the top right corner, bending and swerving through the air like an unstoppable force.
Peter Drury, commentating on the moment, exclaimed: "What a strike! Nico Cruyff, outside the box, and that's a thunderous volley! Čech had no chance! City now lead 3-0! The young prodigy has done it again!"
Martin Tyler added: "Absolutely, Peter! That was world-class from Cruyff. The technique on that volley was impeccable—right into the top corner. Čech had no time to react, and the defenders couldn't block it. A brilliant goal to cap off a dominant performance from Manchester City."
The ball flew past Čech's outstretched hands, while the Arsenal defenders scrambled in a futile attempt to block it. Nico Cruyff ran to the corner flag, pointing his hands to the sky in celebration. His teammates, filled with joy, mobbed him as he basked in the glory of yet another incredible goal.
Peter Drury's voice rang out once more: "Cruyff, at just 15, has been a revelation for Manchester City, and once again, he proves why he's one of the best young talents in the world. What a performance from the teenager!"
Martin Tyler echoed: "It's been a phenomenal performance all around for City, and Nico Cruyff continues to show why he's one of the most exciting prospects in football today."
________
At halftime, Nico Cruyff was substituted in for the second half as Pep Guardiola looked to keep up the pressure on Arsenal. Despite City leading 3-0 at halftime, with goals from Aguero, De Bruyne, and Cruyff's assist, Pep decided to give Nico some rest while ensuring the team maintained their dominance.
Nico, who had been key in the first half, had played an instrumental role in creating space for his teammates and assisting Aguero's goal. However, with the match already firmly in City's control, Guardiola took him off as a precautionary measure, allowing him to be fully rested for upcoming matches, knowing that the game was practically decided.
The second half played out much like the first. Sergio Agüero continued to shine, adding another goal to his tally and securing the 4-1 victory for Manchester City. Despite Arsenal's best efforts, City's defensive solidity and attacking firepower were too much to handle. Arsenal could only manage a single goal, which came late in the game, with Joe Hart making a crucial save to keep the scoreline in City's favor.
The match ended 4-1, a comprehensive win for Manchester City, further cementing their dominance at the top of the Premier League.
____________
In the post-match press conference, both Pep Guardiola and Arsène Wenger were answering questions from the media. The reporters were keen to ask about the standout performances in the game, particularly from Sergio Agüero, Nico Cruyff, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Guardiola was asked about his team's performance, and he was quick to praise his players.
"Sergio [Agüero] was phenomenal today. He's been outstanding all season, and he showed again why he's one of the best finishers in the game. His goal today was brilliant, and he's in excellent form," Guardiola said, a proud smile on his face.
He then moved on to Nico. "Nico [Cruyff] has been exceptional, especially for his age. To have a 15-year-old playing like he does in such high-pressure games is something extraordinary. His vision, his passing, and his understanding of the game are all world-class. He's a huge asset to the team."
Pep also praised Kevin De Bruyne for his all-around brilliance. "Kevin [De Bruyne] has been our engine. His passing range, his creativity, and his ability to control the tempo of the game are all invaluable to us. He's been instrumental in setting up goals and keeping the ball moving."
The Arsène Wenger was asked about his side's performance and how they had struggled to keep up with Manchester City's relentless attack. Wenger admitted that City's quality had been on full display.
"It's clear that Manchester City is a team full of talent, and today we saw that in full force. The way they moved the ball, their transitions, and the quality of their players—especially players like Cruyff, De Bruyne, and Agüero—were just too much for us to handle," Wenger said, reflecting on the game.
He also acknowledged Nico Cruyff's impact, saying, "I've watched him for a while, and he's a special talent. His vision, his ability to make the right pass at the right time—he's already at an exceptional level for his age. City have a bright future with him."
In the post-match analysis, the commentators and analysts praised Nico Cruyff as one of the standout performers of the match. With City's victory, their status as one of the league's most dominant teams was further solidified.
_________