DANNY MURPHY: Ederson is the bedrock of Manchester City’s rhythm and tempo… the Brazilian is the BEST goalkeeper of all time

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

We saw on Saturday why Pep Guardiola sticks with the Brazilian as his number 1. It’s not just due to the traditional aspects of the goalkeeper, but also because of his feet. He has better vision and distribution than some of the midfielders I have played with.

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

Ederson’s decision-making is the foundation of City’s rhythm and tempo. When opponents are cautious and give up, Ederson keeps the passing carousel going by simply hitting the ball. If his defenders are under pressure, he has both the awareness and technical ability to execute Hollywood’s longest passes.

There has never been a better goalkeeper. His contribution to City’s success must be recognised.

Brazilian Ederson can play simple and also execute longer Hollywood passes.

NEUTRALS SHOULD BE IN THE ARSENAL CORNER

I have nothing against City but it would be healthy for Arsenal to win the title this season and end the current monopoly.

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

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

Arsenal have a new manager in Mikel Arteta with a good philosophy and a solid defense. Neutrals should encourage them to breathe new life into the competition.

Alas, I fear both teams will win their remaining matches, leaving champions City with a few points. The only threat to City is the trip to Spurs. Tottenham have the offensive capabilities to worry them but will have to play significantly better than their recent performances. Ironically, Arsenal’s best chance lies with their bitter rivals.

DESPAIR PENALTY DECISIONS

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

At lunchtime, Kai Havertz left his leg inside to cause contact and got the decision on Arsenal’s first goal. I don’t blame him, especially since everyone does it these days.

There was a time when the authorities tried to put an end to this form of cheating. Panels were set up to punish players who did this – I know this because I sat on a few.

The only way to stop players from messing with officials is to have some sort of deterrent. Otherwise, Havertz won’t be the only one to benefit.

Kai Havertz was awarded a penalty by referee David Coote after making contact with goalkeeper Mark Travers

City then got lucky. There was a rapprochement between Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri as the Wolves defender cleared the ball, nothing more.

If the referee wrongly awards a penalty, which is possible when watching it in real time, it is up to the VAR to step in and suggest he check the monitor to make sure he hasn’t made a clear and obvious error.

This is not the first time that yesterday’s VAR at the Etihad, Stuart Attwell, has shown a lack of understanding of football. He should have asked the referee to check if he wanted to change his penalty.

It’s not complicated and I’m amazed that the officials don’t have this feel for the game.