Arsenal Fan View: Three major questions after demoralising defeat at the Etihad

A predictable game saw a predictable result at the Etihad as Manchester City took all three points against Arsenal. The blame game is surely one that will go on for the Gunners, but in the meantime, I have three rather burning questions about the match:

Why do City need Alexis at all?

Let’s just do a simple head count of the attacking talent that Manchester City possess. Aguero, Jesus, Sane, Sterling, Silva(s) and De Bruyne. This is not counting the countless others they have coming through the academy and/or on loan.

Today’s game was being touted as an audition for Sanchez but my mind boggles as to the point of his proposed move. What exactly does he bring to a side like that anyway?

READ MORE: Guardiola’s men underpin favourites status as Gunners run ragged
READ MORE: The referee had to give Man City a penalty, says De Bruyne

Furthermore, based on his performances this season, Alexis is a shadow of the player he was last year. Leroy Sane and Sterling are practically as good as he is and a lot younger too.

Be it as it may about “titles” and trophies, I don’t see how Alexis will enjoy sitting on the bench and winning stuff from there. After all, that’s what made him leave Pep’s Barcelona in the first place.

When will Wenger learn?

Phrase this question how you like, but it will all come back to the same thing. Starting Coquelin instead of Jack, benching Lacazette-pick whichever you like. There’s no hiding from the real reason why this team can’t function.

Arsene Wenger has the unique ability to stay completely still while giving the impression of moving. The stubborn Frenchman loves to tease everyone with the thought he learns from his mistakes. Guess what-he doesn’t.

This is not the first time he’s refused to start his big money signing in an important match. With the promise of a tactical change, he makes sure that he has leverage to say that things didn’t go for him, despite his best efforts.

After all, who knew that letting your best forward start would give you a goal against a top side?

READ MORE: Wenger blasts standard of refereeing, accuses Sterling of diving
READ MORE: Petr Cech ‘surprised’ David Silva was not flagged offside for City’s third goal

Does the FA even care?

Firstly, yes-Arsenal were never winning this game. But just so we’re clear, they could have very well not lost it either.

A fourth of Lacazette’s heel against Stoke is seen offside by an eagle-eyed linesman. And then you have a whole foot of David Silva going beyond the line as onside. Tell me why I shouldn’t be mad?

This is a repeat offence of the English FA’s referees and it is borderline ridiculous now. There may not be a conspiracy against Arsenal but the amount of times it keeps happening to this team is unignorable.

Except the fact that, that is what the FA keeps doing. The fans have a right to be aggrieved but sadly it is unlikely any action will be taken. Unless of course it happens to one of the more ‘important’ teams.