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It may have been a game of little consequence in Champions League Group C, with Manchester City already guaranteed second-place qualification and Celtic already eliminated from Europe’s top tournament, but last night’s clash at the Etihad Stadium was by no means a drab affair.

Indeed, both sides (albeit, City weakened from their usual XI) looked to play attacking football and produced a 90 minutes that certainly appeased the supporters, even if it didn’t quite blow them away in the same manner as the 3-3 in the reverse fixture at Celtic Park in September.

Celtic’s Patrick Roberts, famously on loan from Manchester City, opened the scoring against his parent club but found his goal cancelled out just four minutes later through a well-taken Kelechi Iheanacho strike.

Although the scoreline didn’t change for the remaining 80 minutes, City and Celtic flirted with the notion enough to keep us all invested in an intriguing game of football. Here are SEVEN stunning images to help sum it all up.

City pay their respects

The footballing world has been left heartbroken by the Chapecoense tragedy, which took the lives of 71 people as the Brazilian team travelled to Colombia for the South American equivalent of the Europa League final. The beautiful game has been in mourning ever since and both clubs paid their respects before kickoff last night with a minute’s silence. Here, Manchester City’s stars hold up a banner in the club’s honour. Since then, Bolivian authorities have arrested the head of the airline involved in the crash – LaMia.

The next City star

He may have been representing Celtic last night but on-loan winger Patrick Roberts was undoubtedly auditioning for his future with the opposition – parent club Manchester City. The 19-year-old certainly impressed, opening the scoring with an effort in the fourth minute. Cutting in from the right flank, he went on a mazy run into the penalty area before sneaking the ball through a crowd of onrushing City defenders and into the back of Willy Caballero’s net. This image shows just how little room Roberts had to work with.

Kelechi levels the scores

Roberts was by no means the only youngster to impress last night, with Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho also getting on the scoresheet. A crafty pass from Nolito found the Nigerian international as he broke into the penalty box and one solid first touch later, he unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that gave Craig Gordon no chance between the sticks. An incredibly cool customer, evident enough by his finish, the 20-year-old opted for a more muted celebration.

Dogfighters

Celtic absolutely dominated Manchester City in the air last night, winning more than double the amount of aerial duels as the home side – seven compared to 15. The Bhoys’ back four won eleven alone, but star striker Moussa Dembele – pictured here battling with Manchester City youngster Oluwatosin Adarabioyo – could only manage one at the other end. Celtic’s aerial supremacy was a recurring theme throughout the game, but unfortunately for Brendan Rodgers didn’t directly affect the scoreline.

Nolito the nearly man

Both goals may have come in the opening ten minutes but there were certainly chances throughout the remaining 80. In the 65th minute, City thought they’d finally broken the deadlock after a cross from the right flank passed through the Celtic defence and the legs of Iheanacho to find its way to winger Nolito at the far post. The Spaniard duly converted from almost point-blank range, only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside as he wheeled away in celebration.

Super-sub Steven

Likewise, substitute Gary Mackay-Steven had the chance to win the game for Celtic in the dying embers of the match after coming on as a 51st-minute substitute. The one-cap Scot was making his first appearance of the season but found himself through on goal after a delicate through pass picked up his run from deep midfield. Perhaps suffering a little ring-rust, however, Mackay-Steven couldn’t beat Willy Caballero, with the Argentine staying big at his near post. A what-could-have-been moment for the Bhoys.

Celtic fans satisfied

They may be out of Europe until next season but Celtic certainly gave the Champions League a good farewell last night and put on a solid display for their supporters, going toe-to-toe with arguably the most talented side in England and coming away with a more than respectable point – only their second on the road in Europe this season. Hoops supporters seemed satisfied enough upon the final whistle, including this lad with a frankly wonderful hat.

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has claimed that he is the victim of “immediate criticism” whenever he has an off day.

The German World Cup winner started the season strongly, scoring nine goals and producing six assists, but he has faded into the background in the last few weeks.

Ozil missed two games during the hectic festive schedule due to illness and he was also targeted by critics following defeats to Everton and Manchester City.

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The 28-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2013, has insisted that he can handle the negative aspects of football.

In the interview with Kicker, Ozil said:

“Other than the fact I score more goals, the only thing that has changed is the expectations for me are raised each year. People always expect good games from me. If I have one bad game after 10 good ones, there’s immediate criticism.

I have been in the business for many years. If I believed and accepted everything written about me I would be crazy. But through my experience and self-confidence I can handle my critics. They just make me stronger.”

It took a while for Ozil to find his feet at Arsenal following the £42.5m switch, and he is often accused of going missing in big games.

The midfielder’s future remains a big talking point as he is yet to sign a new deal, despite lengthy negotiations with the North London outfit.

Ozil, like teammate Alexis Sanchez, has 18 months remaining on his current terms at the Emirates.

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Dele Alli scored his second header of the night as Tottenham look in full control, leading visitors Chelsea 2-0 midway throughÂthe second half.Chelsea started the second half brightly, with three chances in quick succession and Diego Costa forcing a good save from Hugo Lloris. However, the Blues were once again caught short at the back as Christian Eriksen found himself in space on the edge of the box and again picked out Alli.The goal was almost a carbon copy of the first with Eriksen finding the in-form Alli at the back post, who found space between two defenders to nod over Thibout Courtois into the far corner. The finish was Alli’s sixth goal in four games.The two headers look to have all but sealed Chelsea’s fate, butÂSpurs are unlikely to be comfortable until they have a three-goal lead, with memories of the back end of last season still probably lingering in their mindsTwitter has again descended into madness at Alli’s second goal ….

That wave is never not funny.

Same combo, same outcome.

With six in four games, can’t blame you.

He has had a good few games to be fair …

Should be a football PUNdit. (wahey)

Would cost them a fair bit don’t you think?

Wait. Where did Ross Barkley come into this? But thanks for stating the obvious.

Alli loves a wave.

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Manchester United have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain about signing Serge Aurier in the summer, French publication Le 10 Sport have stated in their monthly magazine.

What’s the word?

Whilst Antonio Valencia is playing some of the best football of his career under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, Manchester United have been forced to look towards the future as their Ecuadorian international turns 32 this summer.

With that in mind, United are said to be one of three European sides to have made contact with the French champions regarding Aurier’s availability- with Barcelona and AC Milan the other two sides keen on the Ivorian.

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No side is yet to make a bid but interest is said to be very high in the player that is arguably one of the best full-backs in Europe on his day, although Aurier’s game does not come without it’s issues.

Is there a risk?

Yes, a huge one. Firstly, Serge Aurier isn’t actually allowed in England at the moment due to an ongoing court case in France, which saw him unable to travel to London earlier this season to face Arsenal in the Champions League, which is a problem that would have to be overcome.

Whilst that situation can be resolved, Aurier has earned himself a negative reputation due to off-field antics and the fact that he is a trouble-maker probably wouldn’t sit well with Jose Mourinho, who isn’t known for his patience.

That said, at 24 there is plenty of time for Aurier to improve his off-field behaviour and on the field is ability puts him up there with the best. He would be expensive though and the risks could outweigh the benefits for many.

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Manchester United have struggled to compete in the past few seasons and part of their struggles can perhaps be identified to their problems in attack, with Wayne Rooney on decline whilst young Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford aren’t quite ready to take the mantle.That’s changed this season though as the arrival of veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has seen a resurgence at Old Trafford, with United once again boasting one of the Premier League’s most deadly strikers.United have boasted a wealth of top-class attackers during the Premier League era and Ibrahimovic has certainly put his name up there with his predecessors- and he’s hit a crucial landmark in his campaign.

Ibrahimovic’s goal against Leicester City, his 15th in the Premier League, took the Swedish legend’s tally to 20 for the season and the veteran is the first Manchester United player to hit that tally since Robin Van Persie three seasons ago.

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As reported by The Daily Mirror, Arsenal have drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace Arsene Wenger should the legendary manager decide to leave the club this summer.

What’s the story?

Wenger is under fire this week after seeing Arsenal’s title challenge go off the rails last weekend at Stamford Bridge and should the furore result in him leaving the club, Arsenal will be ready for life after the Frenchman.

The Mirror reports that Gunners bosses don’t want Wenger to leave the club and are still hoping he signs a contract extension when his current deal runs out this summer.

With growing fears he could decide to walk away however, they’ve already put plans in motion to land his successor quickly.

Top of their list is said to be Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, but Max Allegri of Juventus, Roger Scmidt of Bayer Leverkusen and Leonardo Jardim are all also on their radar, according to the to the paper.

Is it time to go?

Wenger is undoubtedly an Arsenal legend, having won nine major honours since joining the club in 1996. However, over the last decade the club have hit a plateau and have failed to effectively challenge for the Premier League.

Year after year Arsenal fans find themselves frustrated as their challenge for trophies falls apart, for the most part. There has been the odd cup success but generally the feeling is that Arsenal should be achieving much more than they are.

There’s factors of course, a new stadium build and financial considerations among them, but perhaps a change is what is required to bring the Gunners back to where they want to be.

At the very least, exploring the reported shortlist makes perfect sense, especially if the decision to replace Wenger is taken out of Arsenal’s hands by the man himself. Getting caught short could lead to a turbulent season in his wake.

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It’s one of the most regular stories that comes up pretty regularly in the Premier League as once again Arsene Wenger is at the centre of speculation surrounding his future.

Arsenal have endured another season of familiar false dawns with the last few weeks seeing them crash out of the Premier League title race and all but eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich.

Indeed, for many, it’s just too much for Wenger to be able to stay on and many would like him gone now before things get potentially worse.

Wenger, though, still hasn’t made a decision on his future, but it now appears as though he’ll either be at Arsenal or nowhere come next season – as per Sky Sports on Twitter.

For many, then, that’s come as the Frenchman essentially saying that he wants to stay with the Gunners and, naturally, in light of what’s happened recently, people are having a field day on Twitter.

Here’s some of the best of what’s been said:

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Massimiliano Allegri has told friends he will leave Juventus this summer and move to Arsenal, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

What’s the word?

With Arsene Wenger’s position as Arsenal manager under intense scrutiny, and his current deal expiring at the end of the season, it’s widely reported that the Frenchman will end his long-term association with the Gunners and walk away.

That would leave Arsenal needing to find a quality replacement for the most successful boss in their history and it would see the Gunners managed by a new face for the first time since 1996- but it seems they’ve got their man lined-up.

CalcioMercato report former AC Milan boss Allegri is aiming to win everything he can with Italian giants Juventus this season before switching to North London to succeed Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.

Why the move?

If the lure of managing in the Premier League with a club like Arsenal wasn’t enough, Massimiliano Allegri has become agitated in Turin following clashes with key-players and the fact he feels he hasn’t been sufficiently supported by the board.

Whilst incidents with Leonardo Bonucci, that led to the veteran centre-back being dropped for the Champions League clash with Porto, can be fixed, other clashes with the likes of Paulo Dybala will have a more long-lasting effect in Italy.

As such, moving to Arsenal may be best for all parties and Allegri is reported to have told close friends he is moving to North London- and Juventus have targeted Roma boss Luciano Spalletti as a replacement.

Young prospect Nathan Tella has revealed that he is open to joining Southampton from Arsenal following a trial at the Premier League club.

What’s the word?

The 17-year-old is looking for pastures new after being told last month that he will not be offered a new deal at the Emirates, reports the Daily Star.

The youngster is said to have been looking around various English clubs, including Reading and Norwich City, but it appears that he is leaning towards Southampton.

In Arsenal’s matchday programme for the midweek Champions League last-16 game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Tella opened up about his options.

According to the Daily Star, Tella wrote:

“I’m working hard in games and training and have been on trial with Southampton, Reading and Norwich, and all the teams have said that they want me back to have another look with a view to offering me a professional contract.

“I will be at Southampton this week and hopefully they like what they see and I can continue to build my career.”

Should Southampton take him on?

If a club of Arsenal’s stature are not prepared to keep a young talent, then it may raise a few questions for other clubs.

It is difficult to judge Tella’s quality due to the fact that he has never made a first-team squad nor has he featured in the Gunners’ Under-23s.

This season, though, the forward has made nine appearances for the Under-18 squad and has found the back of the net on one occasion.

One thing that can be said for the Saints’ academy is that they have developed plenty of talented players.

Gareth Bale is one such name who came through the ranks before making a name for himself at Tottenham Hotspur, and is now a Galactico at Real Madrid.

Theo Walcott, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are among the Southampton graduates that have made it at the top level in England.

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Another week in the Premier League, another Arsenal drama. Arsene Wenger’s side slipped to yet another demoralising defeat on Saturday, this time at the hands of West Bromwich Albion.

That’s now four defeats in their last five league matches if you’re counting and this one was perhaps the most concerning of the lot for Gunners supporters.

There was a distinct lack of fight and determination amongst the team on Saturday, a performance that looked suspiciously like the players just don’t enjoy playing for Wenger anymore.

It’s looking ever more unlikely that Arsenal will make the top four this season which would be a pretty massive disaster by their expectations.

For West Brom, the 3-1 win was of course a fantastic result. They looked the more hungry side by far and fully deserved all three points.

These are the FIVE lessons we learned from the encounter…

It’s probably time to go

We know the arguments for him staying but surely time is fast running out on Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal. Yes he’s a club legend, yes he doesn’t deserve to be treated poorly but don’t forget that if he does go, it’ll likely be on his terms when his contract runs out.

It’s very unlikely there’ll be any unceremonious sackings or acrimony but even the most ardent of Wenger supporters are beginning to soften on their stance about his future.

He’s served the club well, incredibly well in fact, and he’ll rightly go down as one of the most influential figures in the club’s entire history. That’s romance though and the reality is that Arsenal are unlikely to improve while he’s at the helm.

Is that harsh? Maybe. Is it true? Probably.

It’s a tough time for all concerned but this defeat is certainly a massive body blow for both Wenger and the club.

Even Sanchez can’t save Arsenal all the time

As much as he tries, Alexis Sanchez can’t always bail out Arsenal. When he equalised shortly after Craig Dawson’s opener it looked like he’d done it again, saving his side from defeat and inspiring them to another victory.

Sometimes though that defence is just a little bit too leaky and in any case, the Gunners midfield were hardly supplying the Chilean attacker with much at all.

He’s not free from blame but he does contribute more than any other player and despite scored 22 goals this season and setting up 12 more, it looks like there’ll be little success to celebrate come May.

Walcott still blowing hot and cold

Theo Walcott has had one of his best seasons in an Arsenal shirt but inconsistency is still an issue for the attacker and again today he was lacking, fresh off three goals in three starts.

He was hauled off just after the hour mark on Saturday as Arsene Wenger searched for a goal with Olivier Giroud. It was a justified change with Walcott an ineffectual presence in the final third throughout his time on the pitch.

The longevity of his Arsenal career has been impressive but he’s rarely been able to string together the consistency to make it a memorable career. He’s just kind of… there.

On his day he is exceptional but it’s days like yesterday that leave Gunners supporters scratching their head and wondering why he still plays such a prominent role.

Is it time to drop him again?

Arsenal fans can’t decide if it’s in or out

For every Wenger Out protest these days there seems to be a countering Wenger In one. That was true again on Saturday with even aeroplanes getting involved on the action above the stadium, one calling for his departure and the other asking to respect his reign.

It’s a tricky situation but at least there’s passion on show, it would be much worse if there was a general apathy around the club. While results this season suggest it could be time for him to head off into the sunset, it’s a dilemma that the supporters can’t collectively wrap their heads around.

Whatever happens over the next few months, it’s likely there’ll continue to be division amongst the Arsenal fanbase and it’s up to whoever, whether Wenger or someone else, to be a unifying figure next season.

West Brom are set-piece kings

It was clear on Saturday why West Bromwich Albion score almost half of their Premier League goals from set-pieces. Craig Dawson was their tower of strength against Arsenal, netting twice from set-pieces to pile the misery on the Gunners. They were his second and third goals in four matches, proving that the Baggies have goals across their team, part of the reason why they are currently doing great in 8th position.

Arsenal are weak from free-kicks and corners and their poor defending is again under the spotlight after Tony Pulis’ side had their way with them.

It was a case of the unstoppable force meeting the very much movable object.