September 22nd 2024.
Arsenal's visit to Manchester City ended in a draw, but it could have been a much different result. The Premier League champions were saved by an injury-time equalizer from John Stones, denying Arsenal a famous victory. The game started with a bang, as Erling Haaland opened the scoring just nine minutes in. Things were looking bleak for the Gunners, but they fought back.
On his first start for the team, Riccardo Calafiori scored a stunning equalizer from long range. And just before halftime, Gabriel rose above the City defense to head in a corner and give Arsenal the lead. But then, just before the break, Leandro Trossard got himself sent off for a second yellow card, leaving his team with a man down for the rest of the game.
The second half was a one-sided affair, with Arsenal sticking to a defensive formation and giving up on attacking. It almost paid off, but in the dying moments of the game, Stones managed to poke home a scrappy equalizer, breaking Arsenal's hearts. Here's a look at how the players performed in this memorable match.
Manchester City's Ederson didn't have much chance to save Calafiori's stunning goal, but he will be disappointed with Arsenal's second goal. Kyle Walker had a frustrating first half, with complaints about a quick free-kick and being out of position for Arsenal's first goal. Ruben Dias was busy in the second half, but couldn't find the back of the net. Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol had quiet games, as City struggled to break through Arsenal's solid defense. Rodri was forced off early with a knee injury, while Ilkay Gundogan hit the post with a free-kick.
Savinho was brilliant in the build-up to Haaland's goal, but was in and out of the game after that. Bernardo Silva didn't have much of an impact, and Jeremy Doku was taken off in the second half. Haaland had a quiet game, but still managed to score his 100th goal for Manchester City.
For Arsenal, David Raya had a solid game in goal, making some key saves and dealing with crosses into the box. Jurrien Timber had a great performance at right-back, keeping Doku quiet and remaining disciplined in the second half. William Saliba was solid in defense, as usual, and Gabriel continued to be a threat from set-pieces. Calafiori announced himself with a stunning goal, although he did struggle defensively. Thomas Partey and Declan Rice were solid in midfield, and Bukayo Saka provided the assist for Gabriel's goal. Saka was substituted at halftime due to tactical changes, and Trossard's red card put immense pressure on the team. Gabriel Martinelli had an improved performance, while Kai Havertz escaped a red card early on and didn't contribute much in attack.
Both teams had some substitutions, with Ben White and Jakub Kiwior making appearances for Arsenal, while Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, John Stones, and Jack Grealish came on for Manchester City. In the end, it was a hard-fought draw for both teams, with Arsenal putting in a memorable performance against the Premier League champions.
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