Arsenal's defensive dominance against Man City shows that Premier League, Champions League glory is possible

The Gunners have kept City at bay across 180 minutes as they eye domestic and continental trophies

MANCHESTER -- Eighty-two minutes played and the Etihad Stadium lets out a squeal of anticipation. This was going to be Erling Haaland's moment, the ball rolling temptingly into that spot 10 or so yards from goal, the left channel of the penalty area where options aplenty were open to him. Drive it high into the top corner, fire across David Raya and into the bottom corner, he could even take it to the byline and cut back if he wanted.

As soon as the path seemed to have opened, one of those burly bouncers in red stepped across to inform Haaland that he would not, in fact, be allowed in this afternoon. This was Gabriel's penalty area and he would not be allowing anyone else in without an almighty scrap.

That is what this game devolved into, typified by half a dozen players on both sides crashing into each other in pursuit of a late bouncing ball. Hardly the great advert for the Premier League that meetings between Manchester City and Liverpool are labeled but it is not incumbent on either side to go full throttle on the offensive if it lessens their chances of success in a game neither can afford to lose. Anyway, it was certainly a glowing endorsement of the defense that may well, at home or abroad, take Arsenal to major silverware in this season or those to come.