An Etihad Stadium where Manchester City has gone unbeaten in 33 league matches saw a dramatic 98-minute equaliser from John Stones rescue his team in an exhilarating 2-2 draw against 10-man Arsenal.
City was in front early when Erling Haaland netted his 100th goal for the club in the 10th minute, latching onto a precise pass from Savinho before sliding the ball past David Raya. The hosts seemed in position to run riot, before an injury to Rodri changed all that. Arsenal took advantage of the absent midfielder, drawing the match level on 37 minutes through Riccardo Calafiori’s curling strike.
The visitors took the lead when Gabriel powered in Bukayo Saka’s corner just before half-time. But Arsenal’s joy was short-lived as Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second yellow card, reducing the Gunners to 10 men before the break.
It was all City in the second half, as Raya made some vital interventions to thwart Haaland and Joško Gvardiol. Having camped inside their own box, Arsenal survived the constant barrage until the 98 minutes when Stones showed quick reflexes to head home the rebound from Mateo Kovačić’s attempt, a goal that had secured them a point.
City stay at the top, but Arsenal will feel aggrieved for having failed to capitalise on a rare opportunity to land a telling blow with 33 games left in the title chase.
