Arsenal ended up with a disappointing 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The match began poorly for them as Erling Haaland broke through their defense to score early. Ilkay Gundogan then hit the post with a free kick, hinting at a difficult match ahead for Arsenal.
However, they quickly regained their composure, equalizing with a fantastic goal from Riccardo Calafiori after a swift free kick. Just before halftime, Gabriel scored with a header from a Bukayo Saka corner, putting Arsenal ahead. They seemed to be in control until Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card for time-wasting, forcing Arsenal to defend intensely in the second half.
**Player Ratings:**
– **David Raya (8):** Made several crucial saves, especially against Haaland in the second half, and managed the game well with time-wasting tactics.
– **Jurrien Timber (8):** Strong defensively, effectively neutralizing Doku in the first half and managing Savinho well in the second.
– **William Saliba (7):** Composed throughout, providing solid defensive work after the early goal.
– **Gabriel (8):** Had a shaky start but improved, scoring from a corner and defending well in the second half.
– **Riccardo Calafiori (6):** Scored a spectacular goal but was less reliable defensively, making some rash choices.
– **Thomas Partey (7):** Struggled with positioning on the opening goal but rebounded to play effectively defensively in the second half.
– **Declan Rice (7):** Adjusted well to an unfamiliar role on the right side of central midfield, displaying great effort.
– **Bukayo Saka (7):** Provided an excellent corner for Gabriel’s goal but was substituted at halftime due to Trossard’s red card.
– **Gabriel Martinelli (8):** Worked hard off the ball and showcased his skill with quality deliveries and dribbling down the left.
– **Leandro Trossard (6):** Unluckily received a second yellow that changed the match; he had been fairly quiet before that.
– **Kai Havertz (8):** Played with tenacity, contributing defensively and setting a fighting tone for Arsenal with a strong challenge on Rodri.
