Ederson’s vision and passing are City’s bedrock

We can eulogise about Erling Haaland’s four goals and Footballer of the Year Phil Foden but don’t underestimate the importance of Ederson.

We saw yesterday why Pep Guardiola sticks with the Brazilian as his No 1. It’s not only due to the traditional aspects of goalkeeping but also because of his feet. He has better vision and distribution than some of the midfielders I played with.

The best example was the pass through the lines to Foden to help create City’s fourth goal. It was something many outfield players wouldn’t be capable of.

Ederson’s decision-making is the bedrock of City’s rhythm and tempo. When opponents are cautious and drop off, Ederson keeps the passing carousel going by knocking the ball simple. If his defenders are under pressure, he has both the awareness and technical ability to execute the longer Hollywood passes.

There has never been a better ball-playing goalkeeper. His contribution to City’s success should be recognised.

NEUTRALS SHOULD BE IN ARSENAL’S CORNER

I’ve nothing against City but it’d be healthy for Arsenal win the title this season and end the current monopoly.

Hats off to City if they become the first club in history to stay champions four years in a row. My concern is where does it stop. Six, seven years? Nine like Rangers and Celtic have done in Scotland? 11 like Bayern in Germany?

Winning breeds winning and if City finish top despite missing Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne for long periods, that’s a problem.

Arsenal have a fresh manager in Mikel Arteta with a good philosophy and solid defence. Neutrals should be rooting for them to breathe new life into the competition.

Alas I fear both teams will win their remaining games leaving City champions by a couple of points. The only threat to City is the trip to Spurs. Tottenham have the attacking capabilities to worry them but will have to play significantly better than their recent performances. Ironic that Arsenal’s best chance lies with their bitter rivals.

PENALTY DECISIONS DESPAIR

Both Arsenal and City got lucky with big penalty decisions and it’s demoralising.

At lunchtime, Kai Havertz left his leg in to invite contact and got the decision for Arsenal’s first goal. I don’t blame him, particularly because everyone does it these days.

There was a period when the authorities tried to stop this form of cheating. Panels were set up to punish players who did it — I know because I sat on a few.

The only way you’re going to stop players kidding officials is to have some kind of deterrent.

City then got fortunate themselves. There was a coming together between Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri as the Wolves defender cleared the ball, nothing beyond that.

If the referee wrongly awards a penalty, which is possible when he’s got one look at it in real time, it is up to VAR to step in and suggest he checks the monitor to make sure he’s not made a clear and obvious error.

Not for the first time, yesterday’s VAR at The Etihad, Stuart Attwell, showed a lack of understanding of football. He should have told the referee to check whether he wanted to alter his penalty award.

It took me 10 seconds to see it wasn’t a penalty.

It’s not complicated and staggers me officials don’t have that feel for the game.