Manchester City stumbled in the Premier League, settling for a draw against last season’s contender, Arsenal. This happened due to John Stones’ spectacular equalizer in the final moment.
The other highlight of this, very physical match which is now part of the rich history between the Arsenal and City managers, saw Erling Haaland score his 100th goal for City in 105 appearances for the club.
The much-anticipated match between the two contenders of the Premier trophy began in rather thuggish, physical way when, for example, Kai Havertz raised an elbow against Rodri and Erling Haaland came in two Saliba.
However, despite the hard feel of the match Savinho was able to show good technical ability to go pass his man and find Haaland who on the other end netted his 100 goals in his 105th game since joining the club by sliding the ball between the goalkeeper and the post.
For a second, the City fans stationed in the comers of the stadium, picked up the fact that Ilkay Gundogan had attempted to extend the lead in vain with a free kick that went beyond the reach of David Raya’s gloves and hit the post.
Even more exciting to see was the noise made by the fans and the seriousness of the event while inside the Etihad stadium.
Somewhere in the first 30 minutes of the game, Pep Guardiola was also forced to make a substitution due to injury worries to Rodri and that adjustments bore fruit hardly after a short while, as Arsenal leveled up to the frustration of the City fans through a Riccardo Calafiori who took advantage of a free kick over Ederson.
The visitors gradually improved and made more aggressive efforts, taking the lead in the 45th minute from a corner that Gabriel powered in with a header. The defender had missed his previous chance but it was impossible for Manchester City to stop the number six a second time around.
With Trossard already in a book, and having to bear a back injury was about to end, the newly crowned English Premier League champions had one sage filing, as Trossard Leandro was escorted down the second yellow card given to him in the match for the foul against Bernardo Silva and booting the ball off afterwards.
Bernardo came closest for City in the second half but he was disappointed with himself for not doing better with a half volley in the Arsenal box. A sitting ball found the Portuguese international after an outrageous jump by Haaland over William Saliba forced a save from Raya.
The stadium groans were echoed by the tower of city fans as they saw the sky blues encircle the arsenal citadel in the second half and place futile \ attempts at the goal even when Phil Foden and Jack Grealish came on.
The arsenal backline was restricting the league winners to efforts outside the box from defenders as they defended their penalty area as if the end of the game was on the fullness of time with the referee Mr. Michael Oliver whistling.
Ruben Dias had one attempt in the 85th minute as the ball bounced to him at the edge of the 18-yard box but he skyed it and the home fans let out a collective moan of disharmony. The players were expending as much energy as possible to delay the end of the match with several players suffering from cramps and David Raya eating up time with the ball.
With almost no time left on the clock, City scored by level through John Stones, also known as the “Barnsley Beckenbauer Somers”. Mateo Kovacic’s shot was deflected to number five who got a foot on the ball to equalize at the end of the match with the precise definition of a poacher.
Now Pep Guardiola’s team will need to regain full fitness in advance of their Carabao Cup tie against Watford at home on Tuesday evening. Nonetheless, before this, here is how we evaluated the display of every City player over the course of this game.
Player Ratings
Starting XI
Ederson – 5
Besides his extra responsibility, wasn’t very convincing while coming for the crosses which cost Arsenal’s second goal. Did not have much to do in the game.
Kyle Walker – 5
Might have been culpable for both of Arsenals’ goals but came out in the 2nd half after the red card.
Ruben Dias – 6
Sustained a yellow card but managed to contain Kai Havertz from getting a chance.
Manuel Akanji – 6
Nullified the threat from Bukayo Saka and went into midfield in the second half.
Josko Gvardiol – 6
Got forward when the team was in possession and supported the attack in Arsenal’s third, creating a 2-1 situation.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
He was attempting to deliver speedy and lovely passes through the narrow openings in the defenders. Missing an opportunity that came up early within the game.
Rodri – 6
He was decent for 20minutes but sadly had to suffer a knee injury this early in the match.
Bernardo Silva – 6.5
Excellent in tight spaces, aggressive and always appears in attack. He should have scored in the second half and made it an equal score.
Jeremy Doku – 6
Doku’s performance in a City jersey was poor and ineffective as he came up against a 5-4-1 formation.
Savinho – 7
The first goal came from his quick feet and dynamism and looked dangerous every time he was on the ball.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
Seized his opportunity well to bag his 100th goal for the city but otherwise didn’t contribute much to the match.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
The defender was always trying, understood and dared to cross the line of the Arsenal defenders carefully and attempt to get through them from within the premises.
Phil Foden – 6
He did his best, but it was difficult to influence the game due to the intense Arsenal defense. Did not get to the ball the way he is wished to in front of City fans.
Jack Grealish – 7
Contributed decisively to the last minute equalizing goal and added an extra dimension to the game when he came on.
John Stones – 7.5
With a few minutes left, came on as a substitute and availed himself at the nick of time to net the crucial level.