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September 23, 2024

Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal: John Stones Denies 10-Man Gunners in Thrilling Finale

Arsenal was on the brink of a dramatic victory at the Etihad Stadium, defending heroically with ten men after Leandro Trossard’s red card. But a last-minute goal from John Stones salvaged a 2-2 draw for Manchester City, sending them back to the top of the Premier League table. Despite their brave effort, Arsenal left with a point, sitting two behind City.

John Stones’ late equalizer ensured Manchester City escaped with a point, frustrating an Arsenal side that had taken a 2-1 lead and was close to a famous win. The Gunners were reduced to 10 men shortly before halftime. Before halftime, when Trossard was sent off for a second yellow, they managed to hold City at bay until stoppage time.

City struck early through Erling Haaland, who netted his 100th goal for the club after just nine minutes. However, Arsenal responded with a stunning 25-yard strike from Riccardo Calafiori to level the score. Gabriel Magalhaes headed home from a Bukayo Saka corner to put the Gunners in front before the break.

The turning point came when Trossard was sent off in first-half stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Arsenal to battle with a man down for the entire second half. 

Predictably, City dominated possession and created numerous chances, but Arsenal’s defense and goalkeeper, David Raya, held firm. It wasn’t until the eighth minute of stoppage time that Stones scrambled home the equalizer, breaking Arsenal’s hearts.

Talking Point – A Thrilling Clash at the Etihad

This match lived up to its billing as a showdown between two of the Premier League’s top sides. Haaland’s early goal set the tone, bringing his tally to 100 City goals in just 105 appearances. Arsenal, however, showed resilience and attacking flair, with two defenders—Calafiori and Gabriel—leading the charge.

Calafiori, on his full Premier League debut, made an instant impact with his thunderous strike from distance. Gabriel’s determined header from Saka’s corner gave Arsenal the lead. Saka’s assist meant he joined Thierry Henry as the only Arsenal player to provide an assist in the initial five matches of a Premier League season.

Trossard’s red card left Arsenal with their backs against the wall. In the second half, Arsenal managed just 12.5% of possession as City pushed for an equalizer. Ultimately, Stones’ late intervention denied Arsenal a famous victory, with City’s unbeaten home record stretching to 48 matches.

Player of the Match – David Raya (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s goalkeeper was a standout performer, facing 33 shots and making nine saves. His calmness under pressure and critical stops kept Arsenal in the game, mainly as City piled on the pressure in the second half. Despite the frustration of conceding a late equalizer, Raya’s performance was vital to Arsenal’s resistance.

Player Ratings

Man City: Ederson 6, Walker 6, Dias 6, Akanji 6, Gvardiol 6, Rodri 5, Gundogan 6, Savinho 7, Silva 7, Doku 6, Haaland 7

Subs: Kovacic 6, Foden 5, Stones 7, Grealish 7

Arsenal: Raya 8*, Timber 7, Saliba 7, Gabriel 8, Calafiori 7, Saka 6, Partey 7, Rice 6, Martinelli 7, Havertz 6, Trossard 4

Subs: White 6, Kiwior 6, Jesus 5, Lewis-Skelly 5

Match Highlights

9′ GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal (Haaland): City take the lead through Haaland, who latches onto a perfectly timed through ball from Savinho and pokes it past Raya.

14′ OFF THE POST: City come close to doubling their lead, but Gundogan’s curling free-kick smashes off the post.

22′ GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal (Calafiori): Arsenal level the score with a superb 25-yard strike from debutant Calafiori, who fires into the top-left corner.

45+1′ GOAL! Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal (Gabriel): Arsenal complete the comeback as Gabriel heads home from Saka’s corner at the far post.

45+8′ RED CARD: Arsenal are reduced to 10 men as Trossard receives a second yellow for kicking the ball away after a foul.

59′ CHANCE: Haaland rises to meet Walker’s cross, but Raya makes a brilliant save to deny him.

90+8′ GOAL! Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal (Stones): City finally break through Arsenal’s resistance, with Stones bundling the ball home after a deflected shot falls into his path.

City’s dramatic equalizer denied Arsenal a hard-fought win in a thrilling, high-stakes encounter.