Arsenal transfer target Ilkay Gundogan has captivated Michael Owen with an utterly dominant display for Manchester City against Leeds United in the Premier League.
The 32-year-old left Owen in total awe on Saturday afternoon with a spellbinding display at Etihad Stadium. He scored twice before the break to put the Citizens in absolute control.
Gundogan was the architect as Pep Guardiola’s squad dismantled Leeds in Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge. The midfielder would also break the deadlock after 19 minutes before adding a second just eight minutes later. His efforts before half-time left the Whites reeling.
Gundogan pulled the strings as Manchester City dismantled Leeds
Leeds had no answer for Gundogan and the German’s expertly timed runs from the engine room. While his ability to find space left Joel Robles helpless to stop his efforts flying home.
Gundogan was as cool as you like to break the deadlock after Kevin De Bruyne moved play out wide to Riyad Mahrez. He put a perfect finish past Robles from the Algerian’s cutback.
The Whites failed to learn their lesson from Gundogan’s first hit as history quickly repeated itself. He drifted forward once again to combine with Mahrez before firing across the goal.
De Bruyne nearly set Erling Haaland up to add to Manchester City’s lead against Leeds from Gundogan’s pass, too. It seemed like the German could do whatever he wanted with ease.
Gundogan showed why Arsenal are interested in his free transfer
Gundogan’s awe-inspiring first half against Leeds showed why Arsenal are interested in the Manchester City star’s transfer. He will be a free agent with his contract ending on June 30.
According to reports by Sport in March, Mikel Arteta is rivalling Xavi Hernandez for Arsenal to secure Gundogan’s transfer from Manchester City ahead of La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.
The 66-cap international has been at Etihad Stadium since June 2016. He joined in a £21m transfer from Borussia Dortmund as Guardiola’s first signing. He also assumed the Citizens’ club captaincy for the 2022/23 season after being voted to the position by his teammates.
Displays like his against Leeds to leave Owen in awe certainly showed why he is their club captain. It also showed why Arsenal are interested in Gundogan’s transfer this summer.
Owen noted on Twitter following his captivating first-half display this Saturday: “Looks like Big Sam has stirred the hornets’ nest here! Not seen many first-half performances as good as this. And Ilkay Gundogan is putting on a total exhibition.”
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