The Norwegian went missing for the second Premier League game in a row, but few players distinguished themselves in a disappointing defeat
All good things must come to an end, and Manchester City's incredible run of 12 straight Premier League victories over Arsenal was finally halted thanks to a heavily-deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal.
Pep Guardiola's side played without their usual swagger and confidence, and there was an air of shyness about them without Rodri. Indeed, they have lost all three matches that the influential Spaniard has been suspended for.
But most worrying for the treble winners is the form of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian gave Arsenal almost nothing to worry about and uncharacteristically ducked out of a header which he usually would have powered straight into the net. He has now failed to score in his last three matches.
The international break comes at a good time for him and will give him time to reset for City's next matches, against Brighton and Manchester United.
GOAL rates Manchester City's players from the Emirates Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Barely had to make a save until being beaten by a wild deflection.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Guarded the right side of the pitch astutely. Didn't get forward much.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Very assured, barely allowed Nketiah a sniff at goal.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Solid for most of the game and unlucky with the goal, with Martinelli's shot just bouncing off him and into the net. Caused some danger going forward but loses a mark for not hitting the target with a good chance in the first half.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
His best game in a City shirt. Alert to the danger, physically imposing and a threat going forward. Had a shot cleared off the line by Rice.
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Rico Lewis (7/10):
Fully justified his selection for such a big game and played with maturity and bravery.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Sat very deep and acted more as a destroyer than a creator, albeit a very graceful one.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10):
Kept the ball well but loses marks for two rash and dangerous tackles which could have got him sent off.
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Julian Alvarez (6/10):
Played with determination and almost caught Raya out when he closed him down while dribbling. Couldn't create much more danger for the rest of the game.
Erling Haaland (4/10):
Another really poor performance. Ducked out of a good heading opportunity in the first half and barely seen in the second.
Phil Foden (5/10):
Couldn't influence the game much.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
John Stones (6/10):
Made his first Premier League appearance of the season but couldn't have much impact.
Jeremy Doku (7/10):
Looked a threat and worked hard defensively.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Could have shown more aggression and didn't look like turning the game around after Arsenal went ahead.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Surprisingly kept Kovacic on after half-time despite the risk. It made no difference in the end and his subs made sense even if they did not pay off.