The Gunners were held to a draw by Manchester City in their first match of the season at the Etihad. The contest was full of talking points. Everything was there, a red card, an injury, a comeback, a stunning goal, and late drama to even the score. A late equalizer meant that both teams had to share points after 90 minutes of intense football. Both teams are top contenders for the title this season. Let’s unpack everything that happened in this top-of-the-table clash this weekend.
Gunners go down 1-0 to begin the match
It started off well, City were able to get an early goal. Erling Haaland with a cool finish past David Raya. Bernardo played the ball for the opener, and it was because of Calafiori’s bad positioning that the opportunity presented itself.
Rodri left the pitch after being shoved to the ground twice inside the first 10 minutes. He suffered an ACL injury and is expected to be out for a long time. The Spaniard is one of the best players in the world and also City’s most essential. His value can be understood by knowing that he has lost just one game for club or country in the last 18 months.
A goal down, Arsenal started to take control of the game and equalized with a stunner. A beautiful shot into the side netting by Ricardo Calafiori, he made up for his mistake by scoring a banger. With the game even, both sides were having good spells with the ball.
Gabriel’s header
Doku tried to defend Gabriel on a corner and was lucky that it did not go in. The second time, Walker tried guarding Gabriel by poking him. These tricks were useless as the moment the ball left Saka’s boot Gabriel ran past Walker and got the second goal for Arsenal. A thumping header into the net with Ederson completely blocked by other Arsenal players.
The match was at a very interesting point just before half-time. A 2-1 lead for the away team, with 45minutes to go what will both the managers do? but Leandro Trossard had other ideas. He got a second yellow for kicking the ball after the referee had blown the whistle. Just before half time, the gunners were left with 10 men on the pitch against the best team in England, with 45 minutes of football left in the game.
Intense Second Half and late drama
White replaced Saka, making it five at the back for the gunners. The plan was simple for both teams. Arsenal were not going to attack, they were focused on not allowing space or opposition attackers. There were times when Arsenal had a back 6 with Martinelli also filling in. David Raya was brilliant, he made a few solid saves to prevent a goal. City took 28 shots in the second half, they only took 5 in the first.
The Gunners almost pulled it off, but with Man City, it isn’t over till it’s over. City dominated the second half in every offensive statistic but were unable to get an equalizer until John Stones slotted home a rebound in the 98th minute. Manchester City seized the opportunity, capitalizing on Arsenal’s defensive meltdown to equalize.
After the final whistle, players exchanged a few not-so-friendly words, and a City player commented on Arsenal’s intent. None of that talk is of any importance. Arsenal are here to win the premier league trophy, not a ‘played attacking against City at Etihad’ trophy. Both teams look good and Arsenal are looking better than before. Saliba admitted that they need to do more to win. They almost did it this time.
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