Manchester City

Man City player ratings vs Arsenal: Kevin De Bruyne is a killer! Brilliant Belgian tears Gunners apart in title showdown

Richard Martin
Last updated
Comments (0)
Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City 2022-23
Getty Images
The Belgian scored twice in a dominant performance as John Stones and Erling Haaland also got on the scoresheet in a superb showing from the champions

Kevin De Bruyne tore Arsenal apart in Wednesday's top-of-the-table showdown, paving the way for a likely third successive Premier League title for Manchester City.

After all the excitement about a potential title decider, De Bruyne raced through Arsenal's midfield and fired City into the lead after only seven minutes.

Arsenal rarely looked like finding a way back, and John Stones' header before half-time, initially ruled out for offside, tightened City's grip on the game.

De Bruyne struck again early in the second half before Erling Haaland completed the rout after Rob Holding's consolation goal down the other end.

🏆 TOP STORY: Haaland breaks Salah's goal record

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Lukaku the answer to Chelsea's scoring woes?

🚨 MUST READ: Arsenal couldn't, so can anyone stop Man City?

GOAL rates Man City's players from a euphoric Etihad Stadium...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
    Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Ederson (6/10):

    Dealt well with crosses that Arsenal pumped into his box. That was all he really had to worry about until Holding's late goal, which he could do little about.

    Kyle Walker (7/10):

    Nathan Ake's injury handed him a ticket back into the starting line up. Was rarely tested and always looked comfortable.

    Ruben Dias (7/10):

    As physically dominant as ever and faultless in possession, making more passes in the first half than Arsenal's entire midfield. Booked for scrapping with White by the corner flag.

    John Stones (8/10):

    Back in at centre-back due to the 4-3-3 shape and had slightly less influence on City's overall play as a result. But he was decisive in the area and now has three goal contributions in his last four matches.

    Manuel Akanji (9/10):

    Excelled in the unfamiliar role of left-back and no-one noticed that City were missing Ake.

  2. Midfield
    Getty Images

    Midfield

    Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):

    Had the better of Ben White for much of the game and created a good chance for Haaland which Ramsdale saved. Didn't threaten much on his own, sending his one shot way off target.

    Rodri (7/10):

    Dominated Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

    Bernardo Silva (7/10):

    Not as influential as usual and should have put away a clear shooting chance in the first half, scuffing the ball into Ramsdale's hands.

  4. Attack
    Getty Images

    Attack

    Kevin De Bruyne (10/10):

    The Belgian owned the pitch and was utterly magnificent, dovetailing exceptionally well with Haaland. On this occasion, he showed the Norwegian how to finish, taking his goals superbly.

    Erling Haaland (8/10):

    Was utterly brilliant even though his finishing was a little suspect until scoring in added time. Set up both of De Bruyne's goals, held the ball up well and bullied Arsenal. His Maradona-esque dribble in the first half deserved to end in a goal but he still made sure he got on the scoresheet in the end.

    Jack Grealish (8/10):

    So strong and so quick, he had Arsenal on the backfoot whenever he got the ball. Very committed in defence.

  5. Subs & Manager
    Getty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Riyad Mahrez (6/10):

    Struggled to get much space when he came on.

    Julian Alvarez (6/10):

    Only had 10 minutes on the pitch and wasn't involved too much.

    Phil Foden (N/A):

    Introduced for the final three minutes but still managed to get an assist for Haaland.

    Pep Guardiola (9/10):

    Despite missing Ake, he devised the perfect game plan against the league leaders. After overseeing dominant wins over Bayern Munich and the Gunners, Real Madrid must be worried.