Manchester City fans must be proud of how their players dug in and were minutes away from beating Arsenal before Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal meant the game finished 1-1.
Ahead of the contest, Mikel Arteta and Co would have been expected to come out on top against Pep Guardiola’s side, who have already lost two Premier League games this season and played on Thursday against Napoli.
However, Manchester City proved they are made of sterner stuff as they battled on and were perhaps more deserving of a win as their game plan worked as opposed to Arsenal.
One man who certainly impressed was Nico O’Reilly, despite having the tall task of keeping Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka quiet at left-back.
Manchester City fans lauded O’Reilly’s showing against Arsenal, who is continuing to prove his worth as a left-back despite being an attacking midfielder by trade.
Man City fans impressed by Nico O’Reilly vs Arsenal
One Manchester City fan claimed that after his heroics against Arsenal, O’Reilly has a claim to become a starter for his boyhood club: “By the way, Nico O’Reilly was absolutely unreal today against two wingers that are a nightmare to defend against. I’m not sure anyone pushes him out the team if he continues to perform like that.”
Another City supporter believes the 20-year-old is “underrated”, as he wrote: “Underrated is an understatement when it comes to Nico O’Reilly. Man had Madueke, [Eberechi] Eze and Saka to deal with. Stunning player and performance.”
A third Manchester City fan praised O’Reilly’s display against Arsenal by simply writing: “Nico O’Reilly, I’m so unbelievably moved.”
Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of O’Reilly and so are the supporters, as a fourth one claimed that the Englishman could keep Rayan Ait-Nouri out of the side: “If he continues like this, Ait-Nouri has a problem getting back into the team (that competition is good for us), and I suspect he’ll get an England call-up before the end of the year.”
A fifth supporter also believes the youngster will become a staple of City’s first-team, much like Phil Foden: “We need to speak about Nico O’Reilly more. Generational talent and is definitely making it here.”
Lastly, a sixth Manchester City fan believes O’Reilly is getting better and better, as he wrote: “Nico O’Reilly is getting so much better defensively. What a talent.”
It comes as no surprise that even senior players like Bernardo Silva admire O’Reilly as he has shown a willingness to learn how to become a left-back at senior level and has looked the part from day one.
Nico O’Reilly stats during Arsenal vs Man City
Manchester City fans seem to believe they have a gem on their hands in O’Reilly and the England Under-20 international’s numbers from his showing against Arsenal justify their confidence.
The versatile midfielder was not dribbled past even once while winning four of his six duels, making six clearances and misplacing two out of his 14 attempted passes.
O’Reilly’s display suggests that he is likely to start in the Premier League against Burnley next week, as he is becoming important enough to be rested in cup games such as City’s upcoming contest against Huddersfield Town.
