Manchester City scored a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer to deny 10-man Arsenal victory in a 2-2 Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. John Stones, coming off the bench, netted in stoppage time to cap off a relentless second-half push by City after Arsenal were reduced to 10 men.
The home side dominated possession, controlling nearly 90% of the ball and attempting 28 shots. Despite Arsenal’s strong defensive efforts after Leandro Trossard’s red card late in the first half, Stones' late intervention preserved City’s unbeaten start to the season and extended their home record without a loss since November 2022. City now has 13 points, maintaining first place in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa. Arsenal remains in fourth with 11 points.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute with his 100th goal for Manchester City, reaching the milestone in just his 105th match for the club. However, Arsenal responded just 15 minutes later with a goal from Riccardo Calafiori, who netted a stunning equalizer on his full debut for the Gunners.
Gabriel Magalhaes put Arsenal ahead just before halftime, scoring his sixth Premier League goal since the start of the previous season, the most by a center-back in the league over that period. But Arsenal’s momentum stalled after Trossard received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away in frustration, leaving Arsenal to play the entire second half with 10 men.
“We played the game in a difficult context, playing against the best team in the world. After what happened, we went 2-1 up, and it was a different story,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after the match. “It is already a miracle we played 56 minutes at the Etihad with 10 men.”
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Arsenal held off City's attacking onslaught until Stones' equalizer in stoppage time. City managed 33 shots compared to Arsenal’s five and completed 699 passes to Arsenal’s 202, underlining their dominance throughout the match.
Manchester City also faces potential injury concerns, with midfielder Rodri limping off in the first half with a knee injury. City were already without Kevin De Bruyne, though manager Pep Guardiola indicated before the match that De Bruyne’s injury is not serious.
The draw ends Manchester City's perfect start to the season but keeps them atop the league, while Arsenal will be satisfied to leave with a point after playing most of the match a man down.
