The form of Manchester City’s captain is now becoming a concern | OneFootball

While there were plenty of headlines to come out of Manchester City’s 2-all draw with Arsenal there were also several concerns to come out of the game for the world champions. The knee injury suffered by Rodri was a major one. There was also another one which was the performance of Kyle Walker. Walker was well below his best yesterday. The recent form of Manchester City’s captain is now becoming a concern for City going forward.

As the first half unfolded at the Etihad Stadium yesterday it was clear that Walker wasn’t at his best. He was arguably at fault for both of Arsenal’s goals during the first half of yesterday’s match. However, it must be said that it was more of an error by referee Michael Oliver than Manchester City’s captain that led to Riccardo Calafiori’s stunning strike in the 22nd minute of yesterday’s match. But there is no such excuse for Walker’s error that led to Gabriel giving Arsenal the lead at the Etihad yesterday.

READ MORE: Manchester City rise above Arsenal’s tactics to rescue a point at the Etihad.

Arsenal’s threat from set pieces is well known. It is a strength of Mikel Arteta’s side. City dodged a bullet when Gabriel headed a simple header over the bar minutes before he gave the Gunners the lead at the Etihad. On that occasion, it was Jeremy Doku who lost the Arsenal centre-back. After that close call, Manchester City’s captain decided to take responsibility for Gabriel at Arsenal’s next corner. Unfortunately for City, Walker lost the Arsenal defender, whose emphatic header gave Arsenal a 2-1 lead.

The fact that Walker lost Gabriel at the corner isn’t a major cause for concern. That can happen. What is a bigger concern is that Kyle Walker’s concentration is seemingly beginning to wane. Is that a sign of Walker just not being up to speed yet this season or is it a sign that Father Time is catching up to the England international? That appears to be the question at this moment in time. There were signs late last season that Kyle Walker’s concentration levels aren’t at the level that they used to be. Based on his performances so far this season it’s an issue that has continued from last season. It is something to watch for in the coming weeks.

I’m not prepared to write Kyle Walker off as a player just yet. Manchester City’s captain has been a warrior for the club. He has been a key pillar during City’s era of success. But his recent form is becoming a cause for concern for Manchester City. Rico Lewis is waiting in the wings to become City’s number one right-back. If Kyle Walker has a few more performances like yesterday it may not be long before Lewis makes the right-back position his own.