Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp equaliser in injury time secured a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester City, extending the Gunners’ unbeaten run against their title rivals to five games. The result at the Emirates Stadium keeps Arsenal three points ahead of City in the Premier League table and injects more excitement into the burgeoning title race.
The hosts, Manchester City, took an early lead just nine minutes into the match. Following a scramble for possession, Erling Haaland played a quick one-two with Tijjani Reijnders before breaking free and slotting the ball past David Raya for his 11th goal in six appearances for club and country.
Arsenal pushed for an immediate response, but City’s defence, led by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, stood firm. The home side’s pragmatic approach, which involved slowing down the game and effectively dealing with Arsenal’s set-pieces, frustrated the visiting players and their supporters. Despite this, Arsenal showed their attacking intent with attempts from Riccardo Calafiori and a venomous strike from Noni Madueke that was saved before the half-time whistle.
Mikel Arteta’s tactical changes at the start of the second half, which saw the introduction of Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, revitalised the Arsenal attack. Both substitutes were involved in a flurry of chances, though a goal remained elusive. City’s Haaland also came close to scoring again, but his shot was saved by Raya.
In a defensive masterclass, City’s backline held off Arsenal’s relentless pressure, with headers and long-range shots from Calafiori going wide. However, the defence finally cracked in injury time. Eze found Martinelli with a perfectly weighted ball, and the Arsenal forward showed great composure to dink his effort over Donnarumma, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Arsenal players and fans.
While not a defeat, the late equaliser will be a significant disappointment for Pep Guardiola’s side, who were on the cusp of a crucial victory. The draw, however, highlights the competitive spirit and resilience of this Arsenal team as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title.
