When John Stones put the ball into David Raya's net in the 8th minute of injury time in the second half, Arsenal players seemed to have completely collapsed. They played a tight defense and struggled throughout the second half, even with only 3% possession. However, in the end, Mikel Arteta and his team still could not take 3 points away.
Under Arteta, Arsenal won at the Etihad last year. However, this match was more dramatic, tense and emotional. The "Gunners" showed maturity in both playing style and spirit when facing the defending champions.
Right after the opening whistle, Kai Havertz had a problem with Rodri. The collision did not provide any tactical positive signals but it showed the fighting spirit of The Gunners. They are ready to hit and play fairly with Man City in every aspect at the Etihad. Arsenal under Mikel Arteta still play beautiful football but when they need thorns and roughness, they can do it.
After Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card, it seemed that Arsenal would collapse immediately. On the contrary, they have shown more solidity. The 6-3-0 formation completely blocked Man City's attackers. It has been a long time since fans have seen The Citizens passing the goal so many times but there is still no way to penetrate.
Defense is the foundation for a team to aim for the championship. Against the world's strongest opponent like Man City and having to play away, that is the perfect solution for the Gunners' endurance test.
After the opening goal, Erling Haaland was helpless and a bit panicked when he was surrounded by a large number of Arsenal players in the penalty area. The Norwegian striker could only wait for his teammates to finish from the second line in hopes. Even young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, when put on the field, became a true warrior.
After the match, Bernardo Silva had to exclaim that only one team came to the Etihad to play football (noting Arsenal's defense was too negative). Before that, Kyle Walker repeatedly complained to the referee about being pulled out in the opponent's quick free kick, leading to no one covering from afar, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to score a masterpiece. All of that shows the helplessness of the Etihad stars. They have maintained a 22-month streak of not losing at home but have never been frustrated like the Super Sunday match with Arsenal.
Not Manchester United, Arsenal are now Manchester City's toughest opponents. It was shown through the collision between Kai Havertz and Rodri, then Thomas Partey. Riccardo Calafiori and Savinho are also not in good together. Finally, Erling Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes' head. All those situations came in a true Derby of arch-rivals.
After the match, Mikel Arteta did not blame or justify conceding a goal in the final seconds. He was proud of his players and said that if he had to play with 10 men against Man City for 56 minutes, any team could have conceded many goals. The Spanish strategist shared that this draw was regrettable in terms of results but it was a huge step forward for the club. In the near future, Arsenal is expected to be even more worth watching in this year's championship race.
