I honestly think Mancini deserves a lot of credit for the way we approached the game. The reaction from the press has been far from complimentary but I think for any team to go to Arsenal and come away with a point is an achievement. City's approach to the game was branded 'negative' but I would consider it more precautionary. As I mentioned in the preview the absence of David Silva was pivotal in our approach, maybe more so than even I predicted.
There were a few surprises in the starting line-up. The return of Kolo Toure in place of Lescott turned out to be an inspired choice, he looked strong, mobile and read the game superbly. I do rate Lescott as a good centre back, though I would prefer him in games against the likes of Blackburn or Stoke. His aerial presence and strength impress me and I believe he will continue to be an asset to the team. In tough games like this though, the key is to be composed and read the game - which Kolo does very well. Micah Richards was also given the chance to impress Mancini and he took his chance, he looked defensively solid and maintained a high level of concentration which has previously let him down. Richards looks so much more natural at right back than Boateng and provided more pace to the attack, even in a game in which our approach limited his chances to really impose himself going forward. I would certainly start him next weekend against Wolves where he should have much more joy going forward and exploiting the space left by the impish Steven Hunt.
The big surprise in the starting line up was Jo. The timing of this post is unfortunate and may look like many of the frustrations of yesterdays performance are being took out on the £19m Brazilian. The performances he has put in this season though have been consistently bad and made him somewhat of a joke to the City Faithful. I understand Mancini's theory that Jo would provide us with some height up front and be able to hold up the ball and help us keep possession. He did none of these things. I do wonder what he shows in training for Mancini still to have so much belief in him. some may argue that his inclusion was justified by the result but I would strongly oppose this. From the start he looked sloppy in possession, he looks slow, lacks any strength in the air and with the ball at his feet and is extremely negative in possession. Even with Tevez dropping so short he rarely made any runs in behind what seemed to be a fragile Arsenal back line. Having either one of Silva or Balotelli fit would almost certainly have seen Jo drop to the bench but I still think this should be a priority to address in the Transfer Market. My main disappointment with Jo starting meant the exclusion of Adam Johnson. Johnson has been in great form recently and always provides the direct threat that could have really helped us out against Arsenal. I believe Mancini left him out due to his work rate and inability to keep the ball... but surely he couldn't have been any worse than Jo? Every City fan I know would have picked AJ every time.
In stark contrast to the Blackpool game, we couldn't have started any worse. Arsenal had 3 great chances in the opening ten minutes which we were lucky to escape. All our play was very direct and we gave possession away very cheaply. There was none of the patient build up which has been so typical of City this season, we instead relied on long, direct balls to Jo, Yaya and Tevez. Milner offered little out wide and his lack of pace was emphasised by Clichy on several occasions. Despite a few scares I think as a unit we defended very well, our problems were all with the ball. The one shining star (as on so many occasions) was Carlos Tevez, who with his astonishing work rate and deceptive body strength, held up the ball heroically.
When Tevez did pick up the ball his options were limited on countless occasions, this highlighted again the options provided by Silva. Yaya Toure had a few surging runs from midfield and did put in a good shift although I've come to the conclusion that his creativity is more complimentary than predominate. The first 15 minutes laid the blueprints of the game which saw Arsenal dominate possession only to be continuously frustrated by a resolute City defence.
Our lack of quality in possession and inability to keep the ball left us hanging on towards the end of the game relying on some crucial tackles and one superb save from Joe Hart. The game finished on a sour note with the sending off of Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta. Although obviously biased, I can't see what Zabaleta has done worth a yellow card never mind a red. I'm pretty certain we will appeal the decision and Mancini has a tendency to do so, we appealed Mario Balotelli's red card earlier in the season and I think we have a much stronger chance in winning this appeal.
I would have definitely took a point before kick off and I think it could be one of the more important points of the season. We showed a great deal of defensive competency and were tough to break down. I see the Wolves game next week as a big chance to take advantage of this weeks other results and a well deserved hard fought point for us. Drawing games against teams around you in the table is fine as long as you can take advantage against the 'smaller teams'. Next week should see a much different approach from Mancini and after two games in a row in which defensive players were named man of the match (De Jong then K.Toure) we should see a lot more attacking flair.
Kolo Toure's statement this morning shows a good perspective - 'Strikers can win you games but defenders can win you titles' - very true and a great way to reflect on this game.
To conclude I think it shows the progression in both club mentality and the outside perception that we have come away from the emirates disappointed with a draw.
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