Arsenal had to settle for a 2-2 draw in dramatic fashion against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The match began poorly for the Gunners as Erling Haaland exploited their defense early on, scoring past David Raya to give City an initial lead.
Shortly after, Ilkay Gundogan came close to doubling City’s advantage, hitting the post with a free kick, making it clear that Arsenal were in for a challenging afternoon.
Despite the rocky start, Arsenal regained their composure and began to find their rhythm.
Riccardo Calafiori produced a moment of brilliance, scoring a stunning goal to equalize after a quickly taken free kick, bringing Arsenal back into the game.
Just before halftime, Bukayo Saka delivered a perfect corner, allowing Gabriel to head the ball into the net, putting Arsenal ahead 2-1.
Arsenal appeared to have seized control of the match, but their fortunes shifted dramatically after Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second yellow card, this time for time-wasting. With Arsenal down to ten men, they were forced to defend resolutely throughout the second half.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arsenal managed to hold on for much of the game, but City eventually found an equalizer, leaving the Gunners to rue what could have been a crucial win.
Player ratings reflected the highs and lows of Arsenal’s performance:
– David Raya (8/10): The goalkeeper made several key saves, particularly in the second half, including a critical stop to deny Haaland.
His game management, especially in terms of time-wasting, was also on point.
– Jurrien Timber (8/10): Timber had an excellent game defensively, keeping City’s Jeremy Doku quiet in the first half and effectively dealing with Savinho in the second.
– William Saliba (7/10): Saliba was composed and solid throughout the match, putting in a good defensive shift, particularly after Arsenal conceded the early goal.
– **Gabriel (8/10):** Although he had a shaky start to the game, Gabriel grew into it, scoring from a corner and defending brilliantly as Arsenal fought to protect their lead in the second half.
– Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):While Calafiori scored a fantastic goal to level the game, his defensive contribution was questionable, with some rash decisions that could have cost Arsenal.
– Thomas Partey (7/10):Partey struggled with his positioning for City’s opening goal but recovered well to play an essential defensive role, especially as Arsenal defended with ten men in the second half.
– Declan Rice (7/10): Playing in an unfamiliar position on the right side of midfield, Rice adapted well and worked tirelessly, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s efforts.
– Bukayo Saka (7/10): Saka delivered a pinpoint corner that led to Gabriel’s goal but was taken off at halftime following Trossard’s red card, reducing his overall impact on the game.
– Gabriel Martinelli (8/10): Martinelli was one of Arsenal’s most hardworking players, pressing effectively off the ball and showing his quality with dribbles and deliveries down the left flank.
– Leandro Trossard (6/10): Trossard’s sending-off for time-wasting proved to be a turning point in the match.
Before his red card, he had been relatively quiet but was unfortunate to receive the second yellow.
– Kai Havertz (8/10): Havertz showed determination throughout, helping out defensively and setting the tone for Arsenal’s aggressive approach with a strong challenge on Rodri early in the game.
Among the substitutes, Ben White (8/10) stood out, stepping in at halftime and delivering a solid defensive performance despite a pre-match issue that raised doubts about his availability.
The result leaves Arsenal with mixed feelings, as they put in a valiant effort but ultimately dropped points in a game they had led for much of the first half.
