Martinelli’s Late Equaliser Earns Arsenal a Draw Against Man City

Arsenal secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023, thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli. The match unfolded with City taking an early lead through Erling Haaland, only for the Gunners to respond late in the game to salvage a point.

City struck first in the ninth minute, executing a swift counter-attack. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders broke forward, drawing Arsenal’s defenders before laying the ball off to Haaland. The Norwegian forward finished with precision, slotting the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to make it 1-0.

Arsenal struggled to create significant chances in the first half, appearing disjointed and lacking in creative ideas. A pivotal moment came at halftime when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted for a double substitution, bringing on Eberechi Eze and another player to inject energy into the squad. Eze made an immediate impact, forcing a sharp save from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful shot.

As the second half progressed, Arsenal pressed City, who adopted a surprisingly defensive stance. The Gunners’ relentless pursuit of an equaliser culminated in a thrilling finale. In the 93rd minute, Martinelli latched onto Eze’s lofted pass, displaying remarkable skill as he executed a deft lob over Donnarumma. The ball found the back of the net, igniting celebrations among Arsenal supporters.

This late equaliser not only salvaged a point for Arsenal but also showcased the team’s resilience. Despite being outplayed for significant portions of the match, the Gunners’ determination was rewarded.

The result leaves Arsenal with a mixed sense of achievement, having fought back to earn a draw against the reigning champions. Meanwhile, Manchester City will reflect on a missed opportunity to secure a more comfortable victory.

Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures in the Premier League, with Arsenal hoping to build on this momentum while City aims to bounce back and reclaim their dominant form.