Jamie Carragher declared Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal was won in midfield, praising Rodri and Bernardo Silva for producing "one of the greatest performances as a pair I've probably seen in the Premier League." City moved within three points of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand, setting up a thrilling title race finale at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal's press caused early problems, winning possession in the final third six times inside the opening 15 minutes - the most of any Premier League side this season. However, Rodri and Silva responded by dropping deeper to collect the ball, displaying the courage to receive it in their own six-yard box. "They're the centre-backs and take the ball," Carragher noted. "We saw them lose it early on with Silva against Declan Rice. It didn't stop them from getting it again."

While City showed bravery both with and without the ball, Arsenal failed to match their ingenuity. The visitors went long from goal kicks despite having a three-man advantage in buildup play. Carragher criticized Martin Zubimendi, saying: "You're going for the league away at Man City. That's not good enough. That's what you're in the team for." The Arsenal midfielder lacked the pace to cover ground as City exploited the spaces behind their backline.