Arsenal were left to settle for a 2-2 draw in a dramatic and heart-wrenching match at the Etihad Stadium. The game started on a sour note for the Gunners, as Erling Haaland broke through their defense and netted an early goal past goalkeeper David Raya.
Things looked ominous when Ilkay Gundogan’s free kick hit the post, signaling a potentially tough match ahead for Arsenal.
Despite the rocky start, Arsenal gradually found their form and leveled the score with a spectacular strike from Riccardo Calafiori, capitalizing on a quickly taken free kick. As the first half was nearing its end, Gabriel put the Gunners in the lead with a header off a Bukayo Saka corner. Arsenal appeared to be in control, but their fortunes changed drastically in the second half. Leandro Trossard was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for time-wasting, forcing Arsenal to defend vigorously for the remainder of the match.
**Player Ratings**:
– **David Raya (8)**: Made several crucial saves, including an important stop from Haaland in the second half. Managed the game well with his time-wasting efforts.
– **Jurrien Timber (8)**: Strong defensively, keeping Doku quiet in the first half and handling Savinho effectively after the break.
– **William Saliba (7)**: Steady and composed throughout the game, showing solid defensive work after conceding the early goal.
– **Gabriel (8)**: Shaky start but redeemed himself with a goal from a corner and a commendable defensive performance in the second half.
– **Riccardo Calafiori (6)**: Scored a stunning equalizer, though his defensive play was inconsistent, with some rash decisions.
– **Thomas Partey (7)**: Struggled with positioning early on but recovered to perform well defensively, especially after the red card.
– **Declan Rice (7)**: Adapted well to an unfamiliar role on the right side of midfield, putting in a tireless performance.
– **Bukayo Saka (7)**: Delivered the corner for Gabriel’s goal but was substituted at halftime following Trossard’s red card.
– **Gabriel Martinelli (8)**: Worked tirelessly off the ball and showed quality with his dribbling and crosses on the left flank.
– **Leandro Trossard (6)**: Received a harsh second yellow card, which changed the game, but had been relatively quiet before that.
– **Kai Havertz (8)**: Played with determination, helping defensively and setting the tone with an early challenge on Rodri.
**Substitutes**:
– **Ben White (8)**: Despite pre-match issues, he was alert and solid in defense after coming on at halftime.
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