Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the hero off the bench, netting a dramatic late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
This was the second occasion within five days that Martinelli had rescued a point for Arsenal, delivering a stunning lob over City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma deep into stoppage time.
Manchester City had taken an early lead through Erling Haaland, who struck just nine minutes into the game, raising concerns of a tough night for Mikel Arteta’s squad. City’s solid defensive organization appeared set to carry them to victory until Martinelli’s last-gasp goal changed the narrative.
With this result, Arsenal remain five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have maintained a perfect record with five wins from five matches. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s City sit eight points off the summit.
Prior to this fixture, Arsenal boasted an impressive record of not conceding any goals from open play this season. Haaland shattered that statistic early on, scoring at 8 minutes and 31 seconds. Arsenal found it difficult to assert control in midfield as Haaland breezed past defender Gabriel and linked up with Tijjani Reijnders for a crucial assist. Arsenal’s defense was stretched thin, with William Saliba caught in a dilemma as Haaland advanced, supported by Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi.
Reijnders timed his pass perfectly, enabling Haaland to skillfully guide the ball forward and finish with clinical precision. This goal marked Haaland’s 13th in eight appearances this season across club and country, and his fifth in seven Premier League matches against Arsenal.
In a subtle nod to Arteta, City’s official social media dubbed Haaland a “Finisher,” echoing the Arsenal manager’s recent praise of Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for their decisive contributions against Athletic Bilbao. Unbeknownst to City, Martinelli was preparing to turn the tables.
As the first half wore on, the Emirates crowd grew tense, especially when Haaland exploited a defensive lapse to set up Reijnders for a long-range effort that was brilliantly saved by David Raya.
Despite Arsenal’s struggles in the opening 45 minutes, they showed signs of life near halftime, with Noni Madueke testing Donnarumma with a powerful shot to the near post-Arsenal’s sole shot on target in the period, as City largely controlled the game.
Seeking to shift momentum after the break, Arteta introduced Bukayo Saka, returning from a month-long hamstring injury, along with Eberechi Eze, substituting Madueke and Mikel Merino.
