Read Layth Yousif’s PLAYER RATINGS after Arsenal took on Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday

Arsenal:

Petr Cech: 6 – Flat-footed for the goal. A worry, even if his double save from Mahrez and Laporte later in the half was a reminder of how good he can be.

Hector Bellerin: 7 – Showed good energy levels and attacking instincts while trying to incorporate a more intense pressing style into his game.

Shkodran Mustafi: 7 – Hard to understand why Emery kept the German yet loaned out Calum Chambers

Sokratis: 7 – Booked on his debut.

Ainsley Mailtand-Niles: 7 – Promising start for the versatile 20-year-old with pace but hobbled off before half-time, which was a blow to Unai Emery’s side.

Matteo Guendouzi: 7 – A promising debut for the talented French youngster who harried City’s stellar names in the heart of midfield.

Granit Xhaka: 6.5 – Off the pace before being substituted for new signing Lucas Torreira. Will he get his place back in the heart of midfield?

Mesut Ozil: 7 – Not as influential as he would have liked. Nor his head coach. Or the fans.

Aaron Ramsey: 6.5 – Showed energy early on but faded in intensity and influence. Surely the club won’t permit another drawn out contract saga?

Henrikh Mkhitaryan:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7 – His coach suggested the 29-year-old with pace to burn could lift the Golden Boot this season. His electric acceleration certainly worried the City defence early on, and he will cause havoc against lesser sides than the champions, even if his shooting was ring-rusty.

Substitutes:

Stephan Lichtsteiner: 6.5 – The right-back made his debut earlier than expected after comning on for the unfortunate Maitland-Niles to become Emery’s fourth choice left-back in the opening 45 minutes as Arsenal regrouped defensively.

Alexandre Lacazette: 6.5 – On for Aaron Ramsey on 55 minutes.

Lucas Torriera: 6.5 – Another making his debut at the start of a new era after he replaced the tiring Granit Xhaka with 20 minutes remaining

Manchester City:

Ederson: 7.5 – Showed alert reflexes and excellent distribution

Kyle Walker: 7.5 – Not as energetic as he normally is after a busy summer but still offered an attacking threat and defensive competence

John Stones: 7.5 – England’s centre-half was unsettled early on by Arsenal’s pressing but showed his quality as the game progressed

Aymeric Laporte: 7 – Another who was unsettled early on but recovered composure. Could have scored but for Cech blocking a close range shot with his feet.

Benjamin Mendy: 7.5 – Offered support in attack even if Aubameyang’s pace unsettled him early on.

Fernandinho (C): 7.5 – Effortlessly efficient. A real class act.

Ilkay Gündogan: 7 – Unsung and played an important role

Bernardo: 7.5 – Superb technique to fire home for the second goal.

Royad Mahrez: 7.5 – A lively performance on his Premier League debut for City.

Raheem Sterling: 7.5 – Punctured early optimism with a well-taken opener. A quality player.

Sergio Agüero: 7.5 – This world-class striker was always dangerous. A true City legend.

Substitions:

Kevin De Bruyne: 7 – On for Mahrez. Not a bad replacement at Guardiola’s disposal

Gabriel Jesus: 7 – On for the warhorse Aguero

Leroy Sane: 7 – On for the dangerous Sterling, though heaven knows why the England man was booed.