The unwanted records that Arsenal broke against Manchester City
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 15, 2019. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
When Kevin de Bruyne’s drive hit the back of the net just two minutes into Arsenal’s fixture with Manchester City, the Gunner’s broke a personal team record which will certainly be an unwanted one.
Before the champions headed to the Emirates, Arsenal had conceded first in five consecutive Premier League games. Never in the clubs Premier League history had they conceded first in six straight Premier League games, but they have now.
In all fairness to the Gunners, they easily could have broken the deadlock in the first minute as Martinelli forced a save from City goalkeeper, Ederson. Yet at the other end, just seconds later, de Bruyne did what the youngster couldn’t and broke the deadlock. His sweet strike would have unlikely been stopped by the finest of goalkeepers and it was a goal worthy of opening the scoring in any game.
This barren run of conceding began back when Arsenal travelled to Leicester when Jamie Vardy’s goal broke the deadlock. Since then, the Gunners have conceded first to Southampton and Danny Ings, Norwich and Temmu Pukki, Brighton and Adam Webster, West Ham United and Angelo Ogbonna and now Manchester City and Kevin de Bruyne.
The number six provides Arsenal with another unwanted stat after their game with Pep’s side. They have now gone six games without a win at the Emirates in all competitions after three draws and three defeats. This is their longest run without a win at home since between December 1994 and February 1995 when they went eight games without a win under George Graham.
The loss for Arsenal means they have also lost their last five meetings with Manchester City in the league. This is the Gunners longest losing streak against a side in England’s top flight since they lost five times to Manchester United between September 1983 and August 1985. This run could likely be matched if this Arsenal side continues to perform without any conviction and flare as their next two homes games are against Chelsea and then Manchester United.