The Premier League had several special matches this weekend, but none of them exceeded the expectations generated by Arsenal and Manchester City, a direct confrontation in the title race that could have implications for the final stretch of the season. The Citizens were doing very well with a one-goal advantage until stoppage time in the second half, when the Gunners tied the game with an absolutely masterful goal.
Arsenal had more possession and ended up being more proactive at the start of the match, looking to attack well down the wings and with dangerous crosses, but the Citizens gradually showed that they are also a team that can cause problems on the counterattack. With only nine minutes gone, Haaland accelerated at speed and Reijnders received the ball to play a one-two with the Norwegian striker as goalkeeper Raya came off his line.
That goal ended up influencing the entire game, as Arsenal had plenty of possession, passing the ball around to break down Manchester City's very defensive system. The Gunners lacked creativity and seemed surprised by the defensive stance of a team coached by Pep Guardiola.
This dynamic persisted for many minutes. Arsenal had possession, moved the ball from side to side, but failed to make more incisive passes. The London team's first shot on goal in the entire match came only in the 31st minute, when Declan Rice picked up a loose ball from a corner, crossed it with venom, and Madueke, in front of goal, headed it wide. With the exception of a few counterattacks, Manchester City barely had possession of the ball. Arsenal grew stronger in the final stretch of the first half and finally became dangerous, but failed to equalize.
Manchester City has never been as defensive as it is now
In a more open second half, Haaland had everything he needed to extend the lead after a sensational pass from Doku. The striker had Bernardo Silva free, but decided to shoot and missed one-on-one with Raya. On the other side, Arsenal continued to apply enormous pressure and push their opponents back. However, the following shots were blocked by several players, including Calafiori.
But Pep Guardiola's strategy became even clearer when Haaland was replaced by Nico González, with a surprising 4-5-1 formation without the ball, sitting deep in defense. Doku had a huge chance to score in the final minutes but wasted it with a weak shot, but it was Martinelli who finally secured the equalizer, passing behind the defense when the lines moved up a little and spectacularly lobbed goalkeeper Donnarumma.