Recent Premier League title run-ins have rarely seen the frontrunners pitted against one and other so late in the season, but as tonight’s showdown in Manchester fast approaches, we may well witness a thrilling conclusion to this fascinating battle at the summit. Read on as we create a Manchester City vs Arsenal stats-based combined XI ahead of tonight’s fixture.
Manchester City vs Arsenal Stats-Based Combined XI
Using data sourced by SportsLens, courtesy of WhoScored, we have put together a combined XI comprised of players with the highest average match ratings across the season.
We will also explore defensive and offensive stats to see why this particular line-up have been so successful this term.
GK – Aaron Ramsdale
Although Manchester City’s Ederson has actually conceded six less goals than his counterpart, Aaron Ramsdale has managed to register two more clean sheets.
With an average rating of 6.62, the Englishman has been an integral part of Arsenal’s relatively strong defensive record thus far. He has a 71.8% save percentage from 110 stops, and his impressive showings to keep his side in the game against Liverpool and West Ham may well have given them a chance in the title race.
WhoScored Average Rating: 6.62
RB – Ben White
Perhaps one of the more surprising performers of the season, Ben White’s transformation at right-back has proved to be a masterstroke by Mikel Arteta.
His astuteness on the ball is matched by a positional intelligence that makes him such an asset – both defensively and offensively.
Only Thomas Partey makes more tackles on average than White’s 1.7 per-game, while other impressive stats include an average of two clearances per 90, as well as just under one key pass per contest.
WhoScored Average Rating: 6.86
CB – Gabriel
With the highest average match rating of any centre-back across the top two, Gabriel has been one of the Premier League‘s standout performers this season.
Although he is prone to the odd individual mistake, his performances have matured since last term which is reflected in his solid defensive stats; most clearances per-game, just 0.6 fouls conceded on average and the joint-most appearances for Arsenal alongside Ramsdale.
WhoScored Average Rating: 6.93
CB – John Stones
Pep Guardiola’s latest end-of-season experiment has resulted in John Stones being deployed in midfield, but his performances at the heart of defence this year warrant him a spot in our combined XI.
Now one of the Spaniard’s most loyal generals, Stones has the highest pass completion percentage across the entire City squad, highlighting just how important he is too their possession-based build-up.
Despite being plagued by injuries, he returned to the side mid-way through the season and formed part of an iron-clad defensive three with Ruben Dias and Nathan Are, before being bumped up into a double pivot alongside Rodri.
WhoScored Average Rating: 6.77
LB – Oleksandr Zinchenko
Despite Man City’s staggering squad depth, Guardiola may be ruing the departure of Zinchenko last summer, particularly after full-back issues with Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker.
The Ukrainian has been a revelation sine swapping Manchester for London, slotting into Arteta’s inverted full-back role with ease and becoming the main cog in Arsenal’s well-oiled machine.
Not only does he make 1.5 tackles per game, but his average passes of just over 64 per contest is the highest of any player in the squad – he is also behind only to Gabriel and Wiliam Saliba for success rate (87.7%).
WhoScored Average Rating: 6.88
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CDM – Rodri
Only Ederson has made more appearances than Rodri in the Premier League, and the Spaniard is a mainstay in Guardiola’s set-up.
Taking on the mantle of the Busquets-esque tempo-setter, he has a surprising tally of six assists despite his deep-lying position, as well as a team-leading two tackles on average per game.
WhoScored Average Rating: 7.36
CM – Kevin De Bruyne
There are not enough superlatives to describe Kevin De Bruyne, who leads the Premier League assist charts once more with 15. He recently hit the 100 mark across his career in England, and has once again shown why he is the league’s most potent playmaker.
Aside from his creative spark, he makes 3.2 key passes, 2.2 crosses and attempts just over two shots per game.
WhoScored Average Rating: 7.60
CM – Martin Odegaard
Many observers have been quick to compare Martin Odegaard with De Bruyne, which makes for one of the more eye-catching narratives ahead of this evening.
Poetry in motion is the best way to describe the Norwegian; 12 goals and seven assists is a staggering return for a midfielder, as well as 2.1 key passes and 2.7 shots per contest show his contribution to the Gunners’ relentless attacking style.
WhoScored Average Rating: 7.35
Wing – Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s very own ‘starboy’ has excelled in the league leader’s high-octane, direct system, which is mirrored by his 24 goal contributions.
Add to that the most key passes in the squad, just over one cross per game, as well as an adorning affection from the Emirates faithful, this is just the start of a blossoming career.
WhoScored Average Rating: 7.46
Wing – Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli’s electric displays towards the tail end of the season has perhaps gone unnoticed by some.
Despite a mid-season baron run, the Brazilian is Arsenal’s top scorer in the league with 15 while also contributing heavily to the attack with key passing and crossing stats that rank in the club’s top three.
WhoScored Average Rating: 7.35
CF – Erling Haaland
It is becoming increasingly difficult to surmise just how successful Haaland’s debut season in England has been.
Records have been well and truly decimated, and will continue to be as he chases Alan Shearer and Andy Cole’s all-time Premier League record of 36 (currently on 32).
The Norwegian arrived with a ready-made title-winning energy that has allowed him to slot in so effectively, and he may well be the final piece in City’s carefully curated jigsaw in order to finally conquer Europe this season.
WhoScored Average Rating: 7.57
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