How Man City won midfield battle against Arsenal - Jamie Carragher highlights Rodri and Bernardo Silva's impact

Jamie Carragher highlighted how Manchester City won the midfield battle against Arsenal and how it played a key part in earning them a crucial victory over their title rivals.

City's 2-1 win on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium has moved them within three points of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand to set up a thrilling finale to the Premier League season.

"Rodri and Bernardo Silva gave one of the greatest performances as a pair I've probably seen in the Premier League," said Carragher. "The game was won in midfield."

Carragher highlighted Arsenal's effective press early on, winning possession in the final third six times inside the opening 15 minutes, which is the most of any side in the Premier League this season.

"What happened initially was Rodri and Silva had Declan Rice and (Martin) Odegaard coming right at them, so they couldn't get the ball into the players there," said Carragher.

However, it was Rodri and Silva's bravery in possession by dropping deeper to get the ball that changed the game.

"Silva and Rodri ended up in the back four," said Carragher. "They're the centre-backs and take the ball. We saw them lose it early on with Silva against Declan Rice. It didn't stop them from getting it again. That's real courage. Getting on the ball and being brave and then playing through that press of Arsenal.

"They've seen a problem and gone and given Arsenal a problem."

Arsenal were unable to match Rodri and Silva's ingenuity despite facing Man City's four-man press before, and went long from goal kicks.