For the second time this season, Manchester City were behind after Trent Alexander-Arnold took aim from long range. He broke the deadlock in the Community Shield with a shot from 18 yards. His role in the opener at the Etihad Stadium was more indirect, but he lofted a pass from his own half over Pep Guardiola’s defence before Diogo Jota set up Mohamed Salah to score.
The great assist machine played a part in other goals, too. He wasn’t close enough to Jack Grealish when he crossed for Julian Alvarez to equalise. He blocked the Argentinian’s shot, but prodded it straight to Ilkay Gundogan, who scored City’s third.
