Arsenal secured a staggering final gasp point against Manchester City with the Emirates this afternoon, highlighting the title credentials the gunners have.
Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to be defeated by Pep Guardiola’s side, but a 93-minute strike from Gabriel Martinelli secured a key point in the hunt for the Premier League title glory.
Such results maintained the club’s unbeaten record in the 2025/26 campaign, but have seen it fall to some points at Liverpool, the top of the table.
However, given the situation around the late equalizer, the outcome certainly feels like it’s the point that’s been obtained, not just two drops, but especially after maintaining an unbeaten start.
Such results will undoubtedly highlight the changes he will need to bring in the future, along with one player worthy of a recall.
Gabriel Martinelli’s hero against Manchester City
Over the past few months, Martinelli has had great doubts about the lack of impact at Arsenal. It then led to major investments over the summer.
However, the Brazilian has proven that some of his suspects are wrong during recent times, producing some impressive displays, even before his cameos against the Guardiola side.
He did the same this afternoon after winning the bench against Atletico Bilbao on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old managed only the five-touch ball after being brought in for the remaining 10 minutes, but the decisive finish was his first finish.
Martinelli then completed 100% of the passes he attempted, placing 100% shots on the target, further highlighting the impressive cameos he produced from the bench.
Despite the Brazilian exhibit, the other player was unable to deliver on the Emirates, and Arteta had to take action on the next outing and drop him from the side.
Arsenal players who have to drop after the city
This draw may give you a reason to be positive in the coming weeks, but we cannot praise the issues that have arisen early on – especially in the first half of the contest.
Arsenal was on his hind legs and then scored goals after arriving Haaland’s strike, but given their low line of defence they were unable to break the citizens.
Arteta decided not to start the attacking midfielder, leaving Eberechi Eze on the alternative bench and running it alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice with Mikel Merino.
He also started again from Noni Madueke on the right side, but it was the afternoon that the British forgotten, as they had no desired impact.
The 23-year-old had filled the void after Bukayosaka’s injury, but he was replaced by the aforementioned star when he returned to first team action.
However, his withdrawal from the contest is certainly justified, and his underlying numbers underscore how miserable his show was in North London today.
Madueke managed only 32 touches on the ball, missing big opportunities in the process, often wasted on the chances presented in his way in the final third.
Statistics for Noni Maduke-Man City | |
|---|---|
statistics | totalling |
I played a few minutes | 45 |
touch | 32 |
The dribbling is complete | 0/2 |
Duel lost | 100% |
The cross is finished | 0/5 |
Accuracy | 62% |
I missed a big opportunity | 1 |
The past dribbling | 2 |
Statistics via FOTMOB | |
He also failed to complete the dribble he attempted, but lost 100% of the duels he entered, but was often ruled by young fullback Nico O’Reilly.
The winger also registered five crosses, one of whom found a player in red and then achieved a 0% success rate.
As a result of his show, Madueke was rated just 6/10 matches by goal Sean Walsh – closing what was a disastrous afternoon for an additional £50 million.
After such a show, Arteta will need to drop the attacker from the starting eleven, and Saka will need to return to the crease after returning from the injury.
But the biggest topic is Martinelli after his late goal. The Brazilians will definitely save the day with a rather inactive show at the Emirates.
