Mikel Arteta left the handbrake on with an overly cautious approach against Manchester City – and it was only another impact from substitute Gabriel Martinelli that rescued him
Somehow Arsenal found a way. When all hope looked lost, Gabriel Martinelli played super-sub for the second time in six days.
This time, Martinelli left it until the 93rd minute by which time a fair proportion of the Emirates had already emptied out because they had given up. But after a frustrating and disappointing display, the best thing you could say about Arsenal was they showed an incredible never-say-die spirit.
Last Tuesday, Martinelli came on against Athletic Bilbao to score after just 36 seconds to help Arsenal win in the Champions League. This time, Martinelli took a while longer – 13 minutes after coming on as an 80th-minute substitute – to snatch a leveller to send the Emirates into wild celebrations.
It was tough on Manchester City who for so long looked as if they would return to the days when they would routinely beat Arsenal and Erling Haaland would score goals for fun. Haaland got his customary goal against Arsenal and City will be kicking themselves for blowing it at the death in an otherwise superb away performance.
READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli rescues Arsenal and denies Man City smash-and-grab win – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Gary Neville’s seven-word verdict speaks volumes after Arsenal pinch draw against Man City
City were better, stronger and, for so much of this game, they actually looked as if they will be back this season to be Liverpool’s closest challengers rather than Arsenal. But the draw actually plays right into Liverpool’s hands because Arne Slot’s men are already five points clear at the top.
And more than that, they look way better than everyone else. This was the game in which Arsenal were supposed to step forward and prove they are the real deal and can push Liverpool all the way.
Sadly for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta got it horribly wrong. After spending £300million in the summer, Arteta inexplicably went safety first again – just as he did at Liverpool. Arsenal lost at Anfield three weeks ago and they did not learn their lesson because a midfield of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino is strong but is lacking in creativity. It makes it feel as if Arteta is scared to lose.
You can praise Martinelli for his finish and Arteta for his substitutions or you can also ask why Arsenal got it so badly wrong in the first place. Arteta effectively admitted as much by hooking the ineffective Merino and Noni Madueke – who was actually Arsenal’s best player in the first half – to bring on Eberechi Eze and the fit-again Bukayo Saka.
By then, Arsenal were chasing the game and it looked as if they had run out of time and ideas until Martinelli saved them right at the death. City deserve credit because they were much the better team in the first half. They did their signature move to go ahead after nine minutes.
Arsenal were over committed in midfield, City cut through their press as Tijjani Reijnders stormed forward before his pass set up Haaland whose finish was calm, composed and into the bottom corner.
City have signed a proper goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma and they looked strong and defiant. City have a world class striker in Haaland. Arsenal spent £64m on Viktor Gyokeres and he does not look good enough for the big games. He will score goals but as a flat track bully.
Arsenal had more spark in the second half and it still did not look as if City were hanging on. Incredibly, City had their lowest possession percentage – 32.8 – under Guardiola’s reign. Eze tested Donnarumma but had a let-off at the other end. Haaland went clear again, his shot was parried by keeper David Raya and Eze went to clear the loose ball which hit Rice and just went over his own bar.
Arsenal threw on the subs. Then Eze played a ball forward, Martienlli’s pace took him clear and he lobbed Donnarumma with a superb shot which just squeezed into the City net and saved Arsenal.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£49
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.