STATS: Manchester City’s Tevez has most on-target attempts and Arsenal’s Carzola second only to Yaya Toure for completed passes
Man City v Arsenal 16:00
– Man City were frustrated by a dogged Stoke at the Brittania as a 1-1 draw proved all they could muster. Debutant Javi Garcia’s assured header was the only time City managed to breach a resolute Stoke defence, as they lacked some of their usual flair and potency with Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez both spurning chances.
– Tevez continues to be highly accurate with his play in front of goal. The Argentinean’s work places him at the top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for total on-target attempts on goal with 13.
– He’s also continued to prove there’s more to his game than just grabbing goals for himself. Tevez is the only striker in the top five for assists provided this season with 3.
– Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure continues to cement his place as the most dominant force in the Premier League as he further stretched his lead for most passes with 214 this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Santi Carzola has drawn plenty of praise this season and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index backs it up. The Spanish midfielder is second only to the aforementioned Toure, who he will line up against this weekend, for passes completed with 188.
– Indeed, it will be a battle for dominance in the centre of the park this weekend between Man City and Arsenal. They have two players each in the top four of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for passes completed.
– Samir Nasri is clearly keen to prove his worth to Roberto Mancini following his extended run in team. Not only has he successfully completed more passes in the attacking third than any other Premier League player with 63, he also covered more ground than any other City player against Stoke at 5.85 miles.
– Arsenal produced some more of the breathtaking attacking football they have become known for over the years as they gave Southampton a top-flight wake up call, demolishing the Saints 6-1. Two goals from Gervinho, along with a brilliant free-kick from Lukas Podolski contributed to another impressive performance by the Gunners.
– Winger Gervinho seems to have rediscovered his confidence in recent weeks for Arsenal. He’s been taking it to opposing defences with 8 dribbles according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, tying him for the top spot with his midfield colleague Carzola.
– Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs is evidently intent on changing people’s perception of the Gunners’ much criticised defence. He’s put in some tremendous defensive work so far this season, being the highest ranked defender in the league with a tackle success rate at 88%.
– Although undoubtedly slick in possession, Mikel Arteta has been somewhat erratic without the ball this season for Arsenal. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he’s only been successful with 52% of his 21 tackles.
– Arteta’s work ethic was a characteristic of last season, and he has started this season in the same way covering the fifth highest total distance in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 24.77 miles