Due to the opening ceremony the kickoff was delayed by a few minutes but the game got off to a fast start right away. Just 23 seconds in, Calafiori, who had pushed forward, found the back of the net for the Gunners after Lewis-Skelly had set him up brilliantly. Following a promising and open opening phase, the game slowed down somewhat, though it still produced City’s first notable chance in the form of Foden’s curling shot. Eight minutes later the ball found the back of the net once again at the other end when Havertz headed in a cross from Tzolis to make it 2–0. The closing minutes of the first half saw more good opportunities for both sides. A City double chance, saved by Raya and White , was followed by a dangerous first-time shot by Calafiori and a crucial clearance by Gvardiol . With both Doku and Bruno Guimaraes carrying injuries, Grealish returning from loan came on for Man City and Rice for Arsenal at the start of the second half. The opening minutes, however, mirrored the start of the match, as Ödegaard made it 3–0 as early as the 48th minute with yet another Tzolis assist. Afterwards Arsenal remained in control even when City had possession, staying compact and alert defensively. Overall a brilliant performance from arsenal, this game really showed how important Rodri is for man city.