Arsenal nearly survived a halftime red card to hold onto a lead and make a major Premier League title statement with a win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Nearly.
John Stones scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to deliver a point to the hosts, and Man City remains atop the Premier League table after five weeks.
Erling Haaland gave City an early lead but a Rodri injury turned the game on its side, as Riccardo Calafiori scored a controversial equalizer and Gabriel Magalhaes put Arsenal in front. Then, Leandro Trossard was shown his second yellow card just before halftime.
Yeah, that was just the first half.
[ MORE: JPW’s 3 things learned at the Etihad ]
The second half was entirely different as Arsenal battened down the hatches and looked capable of taking the 2-1 score line to the final whistle, but John Stones scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to deliver a point to the hosts.
Arsenal got more sensational goalkeeping from David Raya, who made nine saves and 15 recoveries, as City out-attempted their title rivals 33-8 on 78% possession and a 2.16-0.65 xG advantage.
City go back atop the table on 13 points, one more than Liverpool and Aston Villa. Arsenal sit fourth with 11 points.
Disappointment reigns despite brilliant first 45 minutes of entertainment
There’s credit to be given to Arsenal for defending so well after going down a man (again). There’s credit to be given for Man City’s subs helping to deliver an equalizer to the champs at home. And there’s credit to be given to David Raya for another spectacular day between the sticks. Yet we feel deprived of the opportunity to really evaluate a game between two of the best teams in the world. No one wants to watch Arsenal pack it in. No one wants to watch Man City try to dissect 10 men. And no one wants to wait months to get another chance to analyze whether Arsenal have it in them to beat Man City. And that’s because City remain a better team who can flex depth much harder than Arsenal. The Gunners might’ve been leading at halftime off a banger and their yet-to-be-solved corner routine, but it would’ve been so nice to watch them defend that lead on equal terms. Leandro Trossard cost us that when Michael Oliver didn’t let him off the hook (The good ref had a pretty bad day, anyway). The first 45 minutes gave off a buzz we rarely get from two big teams trying to go get a win. More of that would’ve been wonderful.
Manchester City vs Arsenal player ratings — Full ratings here
What’s next?
Man City host Watford at 2:45pm ET Tuesday in the League Cup, then go to Newcastle at 7:30am Saturday.
Arsenal have a visit from Bolton in the League Cup on Wednesday, then host Leicester City at 10am Saturday.
How to watch Manchester City vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 11:30am ET Sunday (September 22)
Venue: Etihad Stadium
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Manchester City vs Arsenal live updates — By Joe Prince-Wright at Etihad Stadium
Manchester City vs Arsenal live score: 2-2
Haaland 9'; Calafiori 22', Gabriel 45+1', Stones 90+8'
EQUALIZER! Man City 2-2 Arsenal (90+8')
Grealish wins a corner and sets up a chance for Mateo Kovacic.
The midfielder’s shot is saved by Raya but Stones is first to the rebound and it’s 2-2 so so so late.
David Raya is thriving
Foden and Grealish have been creating space but the shots are still coming from outside the box.
One, from Josko Gvardiol, is a vicious low strike that requires a very good save from Raya.
2-1 Arsenal, 88'.
Pair of City subs
Pep Guardiola’s last gasps are John Stones and Jack Grealish for Kyle Walker and Savinho.
Twelve minutes to play.
Calafiori off after cramp or injury
A very good full debut for Riccardo Calafiori will end in the final 20 minutes, whether by cramp or leg injury.
Jakub Kiwior will take his place in the 74th minute.
It’s going tense with 20 minutes to go here
Both sets of fans can barely watch here in the Etihad. It is gripping. City are cranking through the gears but Arsenal are holding firm. This is so intense. The rain continues to pour. Can City’s slick attack find a way to slip through this rock-solid Arsenal defense? Phil Foden is now on for Doku to try and do just that. Surely this amazing game has another few twists and turns left...
Raya denies Gvardiol
After a short corner the ball drops to Gvardiol and he smashes a low shot on target which Raya saves and he then grabs the loose ball.
Haaland denied by Raya and Silva smashes over
Haaland climbs high at the back post but his header down is saved by Raya and Silva smashes over. The home crowd sense something is coming. The noise levels have been cranked up a few notches.
Kyle Walker forces Raya into a good stop
Wave after wave of Man City attack now. Walker smashes one on goal from distance but Raya beats it away. Arsenal dropping deeper and deeper. City are in total control.
Doku kicked the ball away in the first half and no yellow card
To recap on the Trossard yellow card, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are still livid about it as Arteta had a long chat with Oliver as they walked back out for the second half. Footage has shown Doku kicking the ball away from Rice when City gave away a free kick in the first half but he wasn’t booked. In my book, Doku kicking the ball away and not getting booked and Trossard kicking the ball away and getting booked is horrible inconsistency. You have to book every single player for doing it. There’s no rule about how far away you kick it. Both are delaying the restart. Both deserve a yellow card. Simple.
Ben White is on for Bukayo Saka at half time
Ben White on for Bukayo Saka at half time for Arsenal. White at right back, Timber moves to right wing. Arsenal have gone to a 4-5 formation but switching to 5-4 when City have the ball with Timber dropping in deep.
🤯 Absolutely crazy first half here, as Arsenal lead Manchester City 2-1. Momentum swings. Crazy goal. Key injury. Controversy. Red card. Basically had it all!
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) September 22, 2024
WATCH LIVE + analysis, videos, reaction & more ➡️ https://t.co/237gBbUTlr…
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Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
A bonkers first half here in Manchester. Haaland gave City the lead after a great start, then Rodri was injured and Calafiori scored a screamer (with a hint of controversy) and Gabriel headed home to turn it around and put Arsenal ahead. Then Trossard gets sent off right on half time for picking up a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. Chaos. What a second half coming up.
Red card! Trossard is sent off
After giving away a foul, Leandro Trossard kicks the ball away and he’s given a second yellow card and sent off just before half time. Trossard and Arsenal are furious, but what can Michael Oliver do? Trossard’s foul on Silva could have been worth a yellow card too. Crazy decision from the Belgian.
Gabriel heads home this time! - Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
After being well on top, Arsenal get their second goal. Gabriel heads home after an almost identical corner kick to the back post from Saka. Gabriel missed earlier but this time he powers home at the back post. Quick VAR check for a foul but nothing given. Arsenal lead just before half time. Wow.
Good chance for Trossard
That is a decent chance for Arsenal. Martinelli crosses for Trossard and he’s stretching but sends his effort over the bar. Arsenal well on top now. Also, every time Calafiori gets the ball the Arsenal fans in the away end are now shouting “shooootttt” which is fair enough after that beauty earlier!
Gabriel heads over from close range
Another wonderful Saka corner to the back post as Arsenal block City off and Gabriel launches himself above everyone. But he somehow heads over from three yards out. Gabriel looked destined to head home. He has to score.
Things have settled down, slightly, as the rain falls
The rain is teeming down here in Manchester and that seems to have slowed down the tempo of this game, for now. Arsenal have really settled down now and that Calafiori goal, coupled with Rodri’s injury, has taken the wind out of City’s sails.
Controversy on Calafiori’s goal
Pep Guardiola still isn’t happy and neither are City. That’s because Kyle Walker, skipper for City, was asked to go over and chat with referee Michael Oliver, along with Arsenal captain Saka, as an Arsenal free kick was given. But before Walker could get back in position Arsenal took the free kick early and Martinelli was in over the top of Walker and set up Calafiori for the goal. Controversial indeed.
What a goal! Calafiori with an incredible hit on his first start - Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori, on his first Premier League start for Arsenal, curls home a stunning effort from 20 yards into the top corner. What a moment. I was right behind that when it left Calafiori’s foot and it was always finding the top corner. After Rodri’s injury and that amazing goal, what a change in momentum. Pep Guardiola booted his seat in the Man City dugout when that went in. What a start to this game.
🔥 A simply sensational strike from Riccardo Calafiori, on his first start for Arsenal no less. Stunning strike. I'm sat right behind it and it was destined for the top corner as soon as it left his foot. #MCFC 1-1 #AFC pic.twitter.com/oskqvOEzOX
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) September 22, 2024
Rodri down with a knee injury, and he’s coming off
Rodri is down with a knee injury. It looks bad. He goes down under not much contact from Thomas Partey. Looks like his knee buckled a little. Rodri is able to walk off the pitch on his own but he’s coming off. Kovacic comes on. Rodri and Guardiola have a quick chat and Rodri seems to shake his head when Pep asks him something. he
Gundogan hits the post with a beautiful free kick
Gundogan curls it up and over the wall and beats Raya but his effort hits the post.
Haaland scores his 100th goal for City! - Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
Oh that is lovely, and inevitable. Savinho drags Calafiori out of position with a fine swivel inside and plays it through to Haaland who is in acres of space. He runs in and drinks home inside the near post. Haaland has now scored 100 goals in 105 games in all competitions for City. Remarkable. Amazing noise here inside the Etihad.
Gundogan smashes wide
Big chance for City as Silva plays it to Gundogan and the German takes a great first touch. He is in but his volley is a tough one and he shanks wide. A player of his quality should hit the target but that was a tough chance.
Wow! Lively start as Havertz catches Rodri and Haaland charges into Saliba
Oh my. What a start. Havertz runs in to Rodri straight from the kick off and VAR checks it, but no further action is taken. “Body to body” contact is the reason given by VAR. Havertz is lucky to get away with that. Moments later Haaland charges into Saliba in an almighty aerial challenge. This is very tasty early on.
🚨Hello from the Etihad! What an atmosphere here in Manchester for Man City v Arsenal. And a special hello to everyone at the Fan Fest in Chicago!
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) September 22, 2024
WATCH LIVE + analysis, videos, reaction & more ➡️ https://t.co/HTk5COVJIk
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Welcome to the Etihad! It is buzzing here in Manchester
Hello and welcome to Manchester! The rain has been drizzling down, the pie shops are bustling outside as autumn has officially arrived in England, and this is a perfect day for a huge game. Massive excitement, and nerves, in the air from both sets of fans. They know how big this one is and how close these clashes have become over the last few years. The waiting is almost over. Everybody can’t wait for this game to kick off. Buckle up.
Manchester City vs Arsenal team news revealed
Neither Kevin De Bruyne for Man City nor Martin Odegaard — which we knew — for Arsenal makes this a midfield in focus.
Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan will pick up the slack for City, while Mikel Arteta’s midfield includes Kai Havertz, which asks a lot of Leandro Trossard as a false or standard nine.
Manchester City lineup
Ederson; Walker (C), Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodrigo, Gundogan; Savinho, Bernardo, Doku; Haaland
Arsenal lineup
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Manchester City focus, team news
De Bruyne is an injury concern and likely to miss out, while Oscar Bobb (lower leg) and Nathan Ake (hamstring) are definitely out. Plenty of City’s main players are still getting up to speed after a busy summer of international duty. Guardiola is easing the likes of Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones into the season and they’re still looking a little rusty. City have so many attacking options and Guardiola does love to spring a bit of a surprise in these big games, especially as his former assistant Arteta knows him so well.
Arsenal focus, team news
Odegaard missing is obviously a huge blow but Rice and Partey will hold things down in holding midfield, and Jorginho may start too to give Arsenal extra defensive cover and experience in the engine room. The back four of White, Gabriel, Saliba and Timber picks itself, while Havertz, Saka and Trossard should start in attack with Martinelli and Sterling pushing for starts. The latter would love to be the hero in this one against his former club.
Manchester City vs Arsenal preview
Pep Guardiola’s City have won four from four to start the Premier League season, as they’ve started their quest for five-straight titles in imperious fashion. Erling Haaland has scored nine goals already, including two hat tricks, but City were left frustrated in midweek as they drew 0-0 at home against Inter Milan in their Champions League opener. They also suffered an injury blow as Kevin de Bruyne was taken off at half time.
Arsenal have plenty of injury issues to contend with as captain Martin Odegaard is out for at least the next few games after he suffered an ankle injury. The Gunners have several other injury concerns, while Mikel Arteta has to rotate his squad expertly after their 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday. Arsenal have picked up 10 points from their first four games and know they must put in a big defensive performance, just like they did at Tottenham last weekend, at Atalanta on Thursday and at City last season in a 0-0 draw, to get anything from this crucial clash.
