Naema Tandao 
Florence Simiyu
In an electrifying clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, John Stones scored a dramatic equalizer in injury time, securing a 2-2 draw for Manchester City against a resilient Arsenal.
This thrilling encounter saw City maintain their position at the top of the Premier League, while Arsenal fought valiantly despite being down to ten men for the entire second half.
From the outset, it was clear this was more than just a tactical battle; it was a slugfest filled with relentless action. Pep Guardiola’s side now sits on 13 points after five matches, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal occupies fourth place with 11 points. The stakes were high as Arsenal sought their first win at the Etihad since 2015.
The match’s turning point came in the dying moments. Just as it looked like Arsenal would claim victory, Stones pounced on a loose ball in the 98th minute, netting his first goal of the season. Remarkably, this was Arsenal’s 28th shot of the second half, matching the record for the most shots by a team in a single Premier League half.
Reflecting on the match, Stones highlighted the team’s resilience: “We’ve learned to stick together, no matter who’s playing. I’m really pleased to score a goal like that,” he remarked, underscoring the spirit that defines City’s approach under Guardiola.
However, Arsenal quickly responded. Ricardo Calafiori leveled the match with a stunning strike from 20 meters out in the 22nd minute, stunning the City defense and leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated.
The Gunners took the lead just before halftime when Gabriel headed home from a corner taken by Bukayo Saka, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
The first half ended on a sour note for Arsenal, as Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card for delaying the game, leaving his team with ten men. This mirrored an earlier incident where Declan Rice had also been sent off for a similar offense in a match against Brighton.
Despite being a man down, Arsenal showed incredible determination and organization, retreating into a defensive posture that frustrated City’s attacking efforts thHiroughout the second half. Arteta described it as a “miracle” that his team held the lead for so long against such a formidable opponent.
Both managers praised their teams’ performances. Arteta expressed immense pride in his players, while Guardiola acknowledged Arsenal’s mental strength in defending their goal. The Gunners’ defense withstood wave after wave of City attacks, with Raya making several key saves, including a spectacular stop to deny Haaland a second goal.
A significant concern for City was the injury to Rodri, who limped off the pitch in the first half after jamming his knee. With captain Kevin De Bruyne already sidelined, Guardiola’s squad faced an uphill battle as they navigated through the match without two key players.
As the final whistle blew, both teams shared mixed emotions. Arsenal felt the sting of a last-minute equalizer after a courageous display, while City celebrated the tenacity that earned them a point in a fiercely contested rivalry.
