Arsenal faced Manchester City at the Emirates in a massive game in the Premier League title race with both sides desperate to gain ground on Liverpool
Arsenal and Manchester City went head-to-head at the Emirates Stadium as they both looked to gain ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The two title contenders clashed on Sunday afternoon as they began the day six and nine points behind the champions respectively. Former colleagues Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola share plenty of respect, but on the pitch there has been much animosity between the Gunners and Citizens’ players, making for a heated encounter with plenty of handbags.
Arteta opted for a cautious approach, selecting three defensive midfielders in the shape of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, just as he was criticised for doing last month in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Bukayo Saka, back from injury in a huge boost to the Gunners, had to settle for a place on the bench, but captain Martin Odegaard remained unavailable.
Despite Arsenal overloading on defensive talent, it took City’s Erling Haaland just nine minutes to strike, finishing off a rapid counter attack and through ball from Tijjani Reijnders. It looked like it might be the only goal of the game, but Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a huge goal in added time and salvage a point. Here Daily Star Sport has a look at the player ratings from the huge clash.
Arsenal XI
David Raya
Nothing he could do about Haaland’s goal. Dealt with crosses well and made one good stop from Haaland in the second half, who should have done better with the strike. 6.
Jurrien Timber
Looked solid at the back and made a series of good tackles but booked for fouling the lively Jeremy Doku. Impressive when he contributed to attacks, fizzing one great ball in the first half towards goal only for no one to latch onto it. Subbed for Martinelli with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. 7.
William Saliba
Returning to the starting line-up after an absence through injury, neither he nor his defensive partner Gabriel could live with Haaland as he sprinted away from them and scored the opener. 6.
Gabriel
Like his team-mate Saliba, he was unable to win the battle against Haaland. Lost the initial challenge, and then footrace, with the Norwegian giant for the goal. 6.
Riccardo Calafiori
Comfortable defensively but unable to contribute as much as he has recently to Arsenal’s attacking play. 6.
Martin Zubimendi
Unimpressive up against his Spanish compatriot Rodri. Better in the second half, when he went close to scoring with a curling shot, but at times too negative in his distribution. Subbed in the final moments. 6.
Mikel Merino
Ineffective and subbed at half-time for Saka. 5.
Declan Rice
Not at his best, but worked hard and grew into the game as it went on, willing his team forward. 6.
Noni Madueke
Arguably Arsenal’s brightest player in the first half, the former Chelsea winger caused City problems with his direct running and on the half hour mark wriggled past two opponents before cutting back a teasing ball from the byline, to no avail. Can count himself unfortunate to have been withdrawn at half-time for Saka. 7.
Viktor Gyokeres
Painfully slow at times and looking potentially short on fitness, he laboured from start to finish, providing an unfortunate contrast to Haaland. Handled comfortably by the visitors. 5.
Leandro Trossard
One of Arsenal’s brighter players, he did his best to work Gianluigi Donnarumma in the City goal, but the ball didn’t quite fall for him in the box when the goal was begging in the second half. Tried to create openings with a couple of good crosses. Subbed late on. 6.
Substitutes
Bukayo Saka (45′)
Arsenal’s talisman was surprisingly introduced at the expense of Madueke but he gave Arsenal a spark and greater belief when he entered the fray. 6.
Eberechi Eze (45′)
Made an instant impact when he came on with a volley at goal. He then played the decisive ball over the top for Martinelli, with a fantastic pass. 7.
Gabriel Martinelli (81)
Arsenal’s hero saved the day with a beautiful lob of Donnarumma who had looked unbeatable until that point. Twice this week he has come off the bench to be a match winner and prove he is still a huge asset for this Arsenal team. 8.
Ethan Nwaneri (85)
Little time to make a difference 6
Cristhian Mosquera (97)
He had even less N/A
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