Manchester City sorely missed Ederson during their defeat to Arsenal | OneFootball

As Manchester City slumped to an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday there were a host of issues on show in City’s performance. Errors plagued Manchester City’s play, and it did appear that after Arsenal’s third goal went in that Pep Guardiola’s side just gave up. Several other issues arose during the game. One of those that stood out was that Manchester City missed Ederson in goal at the Etihad. He was sorely missed as Mikel Arteta’s side took full advantage of his absence.

When the starting lineups were announced for Sunday’s match Ederson’s absence did stand out. City’s number-one keeper missed the game due to fitness issues. Stefan Ortega came into the starting eleven for the game against Arsenal. But from the moment Sunday’s match kicked off you could see that Manchester City greatly missed Ederson in goal.

It’s a fair assessment to say that Stefan Ortega probably played his worst game for Manchester City against Arsenal. He didn’t have his usual composure and quality in possession. Ortega also wasn’t as assured in goal as his overall performance wasn’t at his usual high standards. This can happen and Ortega’s form isn’t really a cause for concern at this stage. But where City missed Ederson was in possession.

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Against Chelsea Ederson’s ability on the ball was a huge factor in City’s 3-1 win. His ability to play quality long ,balls helped City expose Chelsea’s defence. With Ederson out against Arsenal that weapon was taken out of their play. Stefan Ortega for whatever reason didn’t have his radar on at the Emirates. His long balls were routinely intercepted by Thomas Partey, Gabriel and William Saliba. That played into Arsenal’s hands. Even Stefan Ortega’s short passing was off. That was on show when Ortega played a poor ball to Mateo Kovacic which resulted in a golden chance for Kai Havertz. All told Arsenal seized upon Ederson’s absence. That isn’t to knock Ortega and what he brings to Pep Guardiola’s side but Ederson’s absence stood out.

What Ederson adds to Manchester City and their play can’t be underestimated. There isn’t another goalkeeper in the game who is as good as the Brazilian in possession. You only have to watch City’s last two Premier League games to see it. His ability in possession was a key factor in City’s win over Chelsea. Against Arsenal that weapon was taken away and Stefan Ortega had his worst game in a City shirt. The hope is now that Ederson will be available for Manchester City’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid. He will be needed by Pep Guardiola’s side.