Five Things Learned: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City dramatically rescued a vital Premier League point with a 98th-minute equaliser against 10-men Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side knew that anything but a loss against the visitors at the Etihad Stadium would see them return to the top of the English top-flight and land a vital blow early on in the race.

With four wins from their opening four games in the Premier League so far this season, Manchester City started the game in a buoyant fashion and took a deserved lead via the usual name in front of goal.

Erling Haaland scored his 100th goal for Manchester City in just his 105th appearance for the club, after being fed through by the ever-impressive Savinho, before confidently converting past David Raya.

Manchester City smelt blood and went close to doubling their lead as the returning Ilkay Gundogan fired against the post from a free-kick on the edge of the Arsenal box. Yet just like that, Arsenal were level with a stupendous equaliser from new defender, Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian defender powered in a mesmeric strike from a distance following a free-kick which was taken early, much to the dismay of Manchester City’s captain Kyle Walker, alongside their fellow players and manager.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal then took the lead right before the half-time interval, this time through Gabriel Magalhaes’ header after Kyle Walker lost his man within seconds of an attacking corner played into the City penalty area.

Light did shine at the end of the half though for Manchester City as their visitors were reduced to 10-men following a second yellow card for Leandro Trossard, who delayed the restart of play by striking the ball away from the action after referee Michael Oliver’s whistle for a foul.

The home side huffed and puffed but could not find a way through as the Gunners’ 10-men held firm much to the sky blue fans frustration. Yet delirium would let loose as substitute John Stones scored a dramatic 98th-minute leveller after an enormous amount of pressure.

The Premier League champions now top the Premier League table once more, remaining one point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, while continuing to hold a two-point advantage on the Gunners.

Here are Five Things Learned from Manchester City’s dramatic Premier League title clash against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon!

We fight ’til the end

A warning to Arsenal even after all the previous two seasons’ title races: Manchester City Football Club do not give in.

The Gunners defended well, especially when down to 10-men, but City – as they have so many times in the past – came back. This elite mentality is infectious and once again showed on and off the pitch at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

In massive matches like this, it’s so very important to keep the faith and believe in the tactical process and that is exactly what the home side did. From Sergio Aguero vs QPR, Ilkay Gundogan vs Aston Villa, it’s in our DNA to never ever give up and this is still the case in 2024.

John Stones to the rescue

As the minutes ticked by, Manchester City’s fans frantically looked for who could help drag the team out of the sticky situation they found themselves in. Kevin De Bruyne was of course out of the squad and Rodri had gone off injured earlier on in the game.

As John Stones approached the pitch, there was a confidence in why Pep Guardiola had selected the Englishman to enter the field at such a crucial time. When chasing the result, a defender may seem an odd choice but Stones’ stoicism and cool head are real credits to the player who has become so trustworthy in times of adversity.

Pep Guardiola’s trust was well and truly paid off with a goal from his number five which could prove the all-important difference come next May, as John Stones salvaged the contest from the brink.

Erling Haaland: Big game player

Much is made of Erling Haaland’s goalscoring prowess but with every bit of praise, the Norwegian still faces criticism.

There are those who claim that Manchester City’s number nine does not turn up in the biggest games and argue this lacks from his game. Haaland, in true Haaland fashion, silenced the critics with a brilliantly taken goal early in the game to break the deadlock.

His 100th for the club in just 105 games saw him equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record and was a staunch reminder that no opponent is safe when the Norwegian’s in the mood.

Costly Kyle Walker

A captain should inspire his teammates and lead by example but unfortunately, Kyle Walker once again did not do this.

On Sunday, he took long-shots instead of building play once again, he was out of position for Arsenal’s opener, and he lost his man to allow Gabriel Magalhaes to score.

There are many Manchester City fans who remain mystified over why Kyle Walker was given the armband when players like Rodri, Ruben Dias and Kevin De Bruyne all seemed like better picks.

In the biggest of games like Sunday afternoon’s affair, the Manchester City captain should have a level head, and Kyle Walker cost his team dearly due to this.

Invincibles…

If Sunday’s match is anything to go by, this latest edition of the Premier League title race is going to be a feisty encounter with lots of drama. If that is to be the case, it is certainly a relieving pattern to see Manchester City’s unwavering form.

The Citizens are undefeated in their first five games of the new season and look well up for the challenge ahead as they go for an unprecedented fifth Premier League crown under their legendary Catalan coach.

Form such as theirs currently is, surviving scares like this Arsenal match, is exactly what the Manchester City fans and coach Pep Guardiola wish to see at the start of another gruelling campaign.