MANCHESTER — Two of the best players in the Premier League went head-to-head on Sunday, as Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez went at it in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over the reigning champions.
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The South American superstars have carried their respective teams this season, with Aguero the second-highest scorer in the Premier League, while Sanchez has been involved in more PL goals (19) than any single player.
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It’s safe to say Sanchez had the better day, as his incisive running topped Aguero’s jaded looking display on his return from injury for the Citizens.
Let’s look at the key contributions both players had on the match. Here’s their gamelog.
Sergio Aguero
2 mins – Aguero burst into the box after getting the ball from Fernandinho but his cross is blocked for a corner.
29 mins – The tiny Argentine is isolated up front and chases down a loose ball. Looks nowhere near fully fit. More like 75 percent at best.
34 mins – Aguero runs in behind and his cross is deflected wide for a corner
36 mins – A hopeful ball is lofted into the box but Aguero’s weak header dribbles wide.
38 mins – Aguero drops deep to collect the ball, accelerates towards goal and is cynically scythed down by Ramsey who gets a deserved yellow card.
47 mins – Cuts inside from the right and curls a delightful effort towards the far corner which Ospina tips away. Brilliant from the little fella.
79 mins – Caught on the ball 35-yards from goal. Summed up his afternoon.
Alexis Sanchez
7 mins – Collects the ball wide on the left, cuts inside but is bullied off the ball by Kompany.
10 mins – Again Sanchez collects the ball on the left hand side of the box but he dallies on the ball, then Zabaleta dispossess him. Poor.
18 mins – Sanchez runs at the heart of City’s defense but is surrounded by four players before Kompany clears the danger.
52 mins – The Chilean almost puts Arsenal 2-0 as he drives in from the left flank and drills an effort across goal. First chance of the second half for Arsenal.
55 mins – Surges forward on a break, then has a give-and-go with Giroud before Ramsey blasts over. Influential again.
66 mins – After breaking clear, wins a free kick about 40-yards out which Cazorla drives in for Giroud to head home.
72 mins – Buoyed by the acres of space Arsenal were now getting on the counter, Sanchez drove a dipping effort towards Joe Hart which City’s ‘keeper could only parry back into danger but Sanchez could not collect the rebound.
84 mins – Cheered off the pitch by Arsenal’s fans, Sanchez was replaced by Kieran Gibbs. A solid shift for the Chilean.
