Arsenal were within touching distance of pulling off one of the Premier League’s most incredible comebacks at the home of the champions, only for John Stones to equalise in the last minute of injury time.
A blockbuster clash between the two title challengers was packed with moments of drama, notably Leandro Trossard’s sending off at the end of the first-half and Riccardo Calafiori’s stunning equaliser on his full debut for Arsenal.
Tempers flared at the conclusion of the titanic game between Erling Haaland – who scored his 100th Premier League goal in a City shirt – and Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, who both exchanged heated words.
However, Pep Guardiola seemingly came out happier than his Arsenal counterpart and former assistant, Mikel Arteta, as the hosts narrowly avoided what would have been a humbling defeat against their title rivals.
Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan gives his player ratings from the Etihad.
Manchester City secured a late comeback against 10-men Arsenal in a dramatic clash between the two title rivals
Arsenal were within touching distance of pulling off a huge Premier League win at the Etihad
Man City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – 6
One of those strange days where he barely had anything to do but twice picked the ball out of his net. Argued a foul for the second.
Kyle Walker – 4.5
A truly dismal first half saw him culpable for both Arsenal goals. Improved later on but a worrying performance from City’s captain.
Ruben Dias – 5.5
Distribution could have been crisper and it was a day that perhaps leant itself to John Stones’ passing ability.
Manuel Akanji – 6.5
Seemed to win everything in the air. Often the spare man as City played attack versus defence in the second half.
One of those strange days where Ederson barely had anything to do but twice picked the ball out of his net
Manuel Akanji (front) contributed to City’s overloaded attacks while also defending robustly against Gunners stars
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Remained calm defensively, and more solid than recent games, while proving a threat in an attacking sense from the left.
Rodri – 7
Looked in imperious form before the central midfielder’s afternoon was cut short after 21 minutes with a nasty-looking knee injury.
Savinho – 7
Fitted into this system seamlessly and superb dart away from his man to lay on for Erling Haaland’s early opener.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Regularly appeared ready to cause havoc without picking the exact moment to penetrate a stubborn defence. Ran out of steam.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Missing big chances is becoming a habit after an early volley wide. Could have seen his number come up when Phil Foden came on.
Rodri’s afternoon was cut short after 21 minutes with a nasty-looking knee injury that forced him off
Bernardo Silva regularly appeared ready to cause havoc without picking the exact moment to penetrate a stubborn defence
Ilkay Gundogan (left) continued to miss big chances as City struggled to break Arsenal down
Jeremy Doku – 6
Jurrien Timber had Doku’s number in that particular battle. The Belgian offered glimpses without piercing the away back line.
Erling Haaland – 7.5
Took his 100th goal for the club excellently and given more opportunities, would have punished Arsenal further. Service wasn’t there for him.
Jeremy Doku (right) offered glimpses without piercing the away team’s back line and was marked well by Jurrien Timber (left)
City superstar Erling Haaland (second left) was involved in several tempered flashpoints with opposition defenders
Haaland toe-poked his 100th City goal past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (left) to give the hosts a deserving early lead
Haaland (right) and Arsenal centre-back Gabriel (left) were involved in a physical battle throughout the match
SUBS
Mateo Kovacic (for Rodri, 22) – 5
Phil Foden (for Doku, 70) – 6
John Stones (for Walker, 78)
Jack Grealish (for Savinho, 78)
MANAGER: Pep Guardiola – 6
Will wonder if Stones ought to have come on earlier and ask why his team couldn’t break Arsenal down.
Pep Guardiola was as animated as always while his City stars tried to breakthrough Arsenal’s defence
Guardiola puts his head in his hands as City miss another chance with time running out
Arsenal (4-4-2)
David Raya – 7.5
With their backs against the wall, the Spaniard stood tall right until the end – saving smartly and collecting crosses. Played for time quite a lot.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Usually deployed at left back by Mikel Arteta but strongly dealt with Doku on the opposite side for much of the afternoon.
William Saliba – 8.5
Decent in the tackle and marshalled the back five after half-time, ending up with eight clearances. Haaland gave him more of an examination than last year.
David Raya (pictured) was left crestfallen when John Stones struck late on to equalise
William Saliba proved to be decent in the tackle and marshalled the back five after half-time, ending up with eight clearances
Gabriel – 7.5
Spatially poor early on before improving to show far more dominance and powering in Arsenal’s second from a corner.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Sold a dummy for City’s first but then his equaliser from 20 yards, curling into the far corner, was a stunner on full debut.
Riccardo Calafiori scored a stunning first goal for Arsenal to pull the visitors level at the Etihad
Riccardo Calafiori smashed a curling long-range strike as Arsenal pounced on City being out of position at a free-kick
Bukayo Saka – 6.5
Sacrificed at the break after Leandro Trossard’s sending off. Lively going forward and doubled up defensively.
Thomas Partey – 7
Performed a crucial role in jumping from deep positions to intercept or nick possession around their own box.
Declan Rice – 7
Not overly involved but put in a real shift off the ball in a disciplined fashion, closing space where City could work in the final third.
Declan Rice (right) worked as hard as always when tasked with breaking up City’s midfield play
The England midfielder put in a real shift off the ball in a disciplined fashion at the Etihad
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5
Very useful out ball for Arsenal on the counter. Took Walker into areas he didn’t fancy and showed quick thinking for the equaliser.
Leandro Trossard – 4
One of the daftest red cards you’ll see all season. On a booking, he delayed a restart by kicking the ball away.
Leandro Trossard was deservedly shown one of the daftest red cards you’ll see all season
Trossard (middle) was already on a yellow card when he smashed the ball away after a free-kick had been given
Kai Havertz – 7
A very lonely job after the red card in dropping into midfield while being the one to carry any sort of attacking threat for the visitors.
SUBS
Ben White (for Saka, 46) – 7
Jakub Kiwior (for Calafiori, 74) – 6
Gabriel Jesus (for Martinelli, 87)
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Timber, 90)
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta cut a dejected figure as his side conceded an equaliser at the death
MANAGER: Mikel Arteta – 7
The Trossard red card played into his hands and the defensive effort after that showed how well coached this Arsenal team is.
Referee: Michael Oliver – 5
