Martinelli’s Stoppage-Time Goal Earns Arsenal 1-1 Draw Against Manchester City
Haaland’s Early Strike Puts City Ahead
Manchester City struck first when Erling Haaland finished coolly in the ninth minute after a blistering counterattack, assisted by Tijjani Reijnders. The goal gave City the advantage and set up an unusually defensive display from Pep Guardiola’s side, who are normally known for their possession-based dominance.
City’s Defensive Approach Surprises Arsenal
City frustrated Arsenal by sitting deep and limiting chances. According to Opta, Guardiola’s men recorded just 32.8 percent possession, the lowest of any team he has managed in 601 top-flight league matches. Despite Arsenal’s pressure, City’s compact defense looked set to secure all three points.
Arsenal Fight Back With Energy From Substitutes
The second half saw Mikel Arteta turn to his bench, introducing Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli. Eze nearly equalized with a fierce strike that forced a sharp save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Martinelli’s pace and creativity began to stretch City’s defense.
Martinelli Delivers Late Drama
In the third minute of stoppage time, Eze lofted a speculative ball over City’s back line. Martinelli raced through and produced a stunning lob over Donnarumma, leveling the match at 1-1 and igniting wild celebrations inside the Emirates Stadium.
Premier League Table Impact
The result leaves Liverpool five points clear at the top after five games. Arsenal sit second on goal difference ahead of Tottenham and Bournemouth, while City are already eight points off the pace, raising questions about their uncharacteristic tactics.
Post-Match Reactions
Arsenal captain Declan Rice hailed the team’s resilience and praised Martinelli’s brilliance:
“The run and finish is unbelievable. A real moment of magic, and he fully deserves it.”
Pep Guardiola admitted City had been second best:
“I think the result is fair. But in general, Arsenal were better.”