Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2: City player ratings as John Stones rescues a point for Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City 2 (Erling Haaland 9′, John Stones 90+8′)

Arsenal 2 (Riccardo Calafiori 22′, Gabriel 45+1)

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City and Arsenal played out an action-packed 2-all draw at the Etihad.

Based on the game it appears that Manchester City’s rivalry with Arsenal has now gone up a gear after their title battles in recent seasons. There was no shortage of talking points from an enthralling battle at the Etihad.

First half

The first half was an action-packed affair. Kai Havertz set the tone for the first half as he charged through Rodri in the opening seconds. From there the game was set to follow a different path to corresponding fixture last season.

Manchester City would take the lead in the 9th minute through Erling Haaland. City’s number 9 scored his 100th goal for the club with a neat finish after a sublime ball from Savinho. The opening 10 minutes set the tone for what was to follow.

Firstly, Rodri went down with a knee injury after a coming together with Thomas Partey. City’s midfield general went down clutching his knee and had to be replaced by Mateo Kovacic. After a lengthy delay for Rodri’s injury Arsenal then fired their first shot of the afternoon.

After referee Michael Oliver called Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka together after a testy opening 20 minutes, Arsenal took full advantage. Walker failed to get back into position, or Michael Oliver lost control of that moment of play depending on your point of view. Arsenal equalised through Riccardo Calafiori with a sublime strike after a layoff from Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal would take the lead in stoppage time of the first half. A towering Gabriel header from a corner gave Mikel Arteta’s side the lead. Question marks have to be asked about City’s defending for the goal.

To end the first half Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second bookable offence. The Belgian international kicked the ball away, which prevented City from taking a free kick that saw him receive his marching orders.

Second half

The second half kicked off with Arsenal defending deep and Manchester City dominating possession. That was the pattern for the entire second half, with David Raya as the hero for Arsenal. He made several stunning saves from Josko Gvardiol. Manchester City were reduced to shots from distance from Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Dias in particular as Arsenal defended for their lives in the second half.

It appeared that Arsenal’s defence would hold out until John Stones equalised for City in the 8th minute of second-half stoppage time. Credit must go to Jack Grealish for taking the corner quickly that set up Stones equaliser.

Here are the City player ratings from a breathless affair at the Etihad.

City player ratings

Ederson-6/10: Could do little about Arsenal’s goals and was a spectator in the second half.

Kyle Walker-4/10: City’s captain was at fault for both of Arsenal’s goals. The first one could be attributed to the referee. But he lost Gabriel on the corner. Not his best performance.

Manuel Akanji-6/10: It’s hard to grade City’s defenders given how the second half played out. Akanji did what he had to do in both halves.

Ruben Dias-6/10: Same performance as Akanji. Dias did have several chances in the second half but shooting isn’t his forte.

Josko Gvardiol-7/10: I thought he was good again and was denied by Raya twice. A good display again.

Rodri-N/A: Not on long enough to mark but he was clearly targeted by Arsenal. It must be said that the challenge from Thomas Party wasn’t malicious that caused Rodri’s injury. Went off with a knee injury after 15 minutes in a major blow for the champions.

Ilkay Gundogan-6/10: A quiet performance from Gundogan. He hit the bar in the first half but was quiet for most of the game.

Bernardo Silva-6.5/10: A busy display from Bernardo, especially in the opening 15 minutes. Not at his best after that but wasn’t City’s worst performer.

Savinho-8/10: He was a constant threat before he was substituted. Set up Haaland’s opener with a sublime assist. Another quality showing from the Brazilian.

Jeremy Doku- 6/10: Most of City’s attacking play came down their right-hand side, so Doku didn’t see a lot of the ball. Wasn’t at his best when he did before he was substituted.

Erling Haaland-7/10: Scored his 100th goal for the club with a sublime finish. He was crowded out of the game when Arsenal defended deep for the second half.

Substitutes

Mateo Kovacic-6/10: Came on for Rodri early in the first half. Had several chances to score but not his day in front of goal.

Phil Foden-6/10: The game appeared set up for him when he came on. He couldn’t find any space but perhaps he should have come on earlier.

John Stones-7/10: Scored the equaliser to rescue a point for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Jack Grealish-7/10: He deserves credit for his quick thinking that set up City’s equaliser.