The Arsenal defense were able to hold down Erling Haaland in the match. It was very smart of Arteta to take off Holding in the half time, Holding who had already been booked for tackling Haaland and bringing on Gabriel who was able to shut Haaland out for the rest of the game. Even though they lost the game, Arsenal did very well in my opinion.
In this case it seems that besides Haaland there are a number of things that really make his supply a little lacking because Manchester City's midfield is not what it used to be.
But on the other hand, this condition is indeed a little better because with this the real match will be more exciting to watch because next February, of course their meeting will not be filled with players like this match.
If an opposition team handles Kevin DeBryne well without giving him much breathing space definitely Haaland will be shut off with passes thus will have a limited chances of scoring goals because DeBryne gives him most of the assist, this played out in Man City matches against Southampton, Man Utd and Arsenal, though Holding did marked him very well unfortunately couldn't complete the match due to his yellow card I give credit to him for blocking EPL best striker likewise Saliba who came on for him did tried his best with Gabriel, Arteta will some clue in readiness of their match mid February.
Actually, this must also be seen from the strategy carried out by Manchester City because when looking at their previous game against Arsenal they only kept Haaland in the attack and this could be something new apart from their tactics in 4-3-3.
But in other matches they show 4-3-3, not 3-4-2-1 as was done before, not only De Bruyne needs to be watched, but also several other players like Alvarez or Mahrez, who always move quickly on the flanks, so focus De Bruyne will be wider because he can create multiple options in the pass.
Keeping De Bruyne well is still something that is worth it but on the other hand the team that will face City also cannot relax on the defense of their two full backs.
Well, for a coach, a 4-3-3 configuration is something very conservative for attack-counterattack football, if one is not placed like this, it is totally appealing to the total defense of the team, this means that Pep understood that He has to take preventive measures taking advantage of his greater potential, in this case Haaland has enough potential to score a goal or several goals, if Haaland is up front and two more help them, he can make Man City's game very focused on attack, a The counterattack could be the solution if they are hitting it a lot, it is what a coach like Pep does, I think he applies much more and takes risks.
and:
Arsenal's Arteta disappointed by FA Cup exit at Manchester City
Mikel Arteta admitted his Arsenal side had been found wanting by Manchester City, after their 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup fourth round at the Etihad Stadium.
Nathan Ake's 64th-minute goal proved the difference, after Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard had forced saves from Stefan Ortega in the first half.
And Arteta, who made six changes to his starting line-up to take on his former club, was disappointed to bow out of a competition the Gunners have won a record 14 times.
Source:
https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/sport/23282782.arsenals-arteta-disappointed-fa-cup-exit-manchester-city/
