It was pure drama at the Emirates Stadium as Gabriel Martinelli struck a stunning stoppage-time equaliser to rescue Arsenal in a pulsating 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday night.
The Brazilian forward showed composure beyond measure, delicately lobbing the ball into the net to cancel out Erling Haaland’s early strike and deny Pep Guardiola’s men a vital away victory in the Premier League.
Haaland Puts City Ahead Early
Manchester City started brightly, and it was Haaland who opened the scoring in the 9th minute, finishing off a sweeping move he had initiated. The Norwegian’s 13th goal of the season reminded everyone of his ruthless touch in front of goal.
Haaland’s physical presence tormented Arsenal’s backline, while Mikel Arteta’s starting XI struggled to click. Viktor Gyokeres looked isolated up front, and summer signing Mikel Merino failed to stamp authority in midfield.
Meanwhile, Guardiola stuck with the same starting XI for a third consecutive game – the first time he has done so in four years.
Arsenal Fight Back After Changes
Arteta’s half-time substitutions proved decisive. The introduction of Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze transformed Arsenal’s tempo.
Saka’s pinpoint deliveries and Eze’s flair troubled City’s backline, with both Martin Zubimendi and Eze forcing strong saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City remained dangerous on the counter, with Jeremy Doku setting up Haaland for a one-on-one, only for goalkeeper David Raya to produce a crucial stop.
Guardiola responded with defensive changes, switching to a back five to close out the contest.
Martinelli’s Late Heroics
Just when it looked like City would leave North London with maximum points, Arsenal found their breakthrough in stoppage time.
Eberechi Eze floated a lofted ball over the defence, and Martinelli delivered the killer touch – a calm lob over Donnarumma, handing Arsenal a share of the spoils and ensuring City’s celebrations were cut short.
The result leaves both teams reflecting on what might have been, but Arsenal will feel they earned a point the hard way.
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