Sometimes, top clashes don’t live up to their billing in the Premier League as teams can become conservative playing not to lose instead of playing to win a match. When Arsenal and Manchester City met on Sunday, it was not one of those occasions with the two title rivals playing to a 2-2 draw that had a bit of everything. From golazos to the dark arts with a mix of red cards and passionate displays, it’s clear they are taking this seriously knowing any dropped points can see a Premier League title slip away.
With that, here are the biggest moments of the match:
5. Bukayo Saka equals Thierry Henry
In Premier League history, only two players have provided an assist in their team’s first five matches of the season. Thierry Henry in 2005/05 and now, Bukayo Saka. The England winger has hit a new gear for Arsenal and while he is scoring less so far to start the new season, he is making up for it by creating plenty of chances for his teammates, which has led to him grabbing five assists already.
Saka assisted a header from Gabriel that would have given the Gunners hope in the match right before half time. That hope was something that was somewhat dashed when Leandro Trossard was sent off just before the half-time whistle, but it doesn’t diminish this moment. Saka is not only one of the best young players in the world, but he is now establishing himself as one of the best players in the world and sharing a distinction with Henry only adds to that.
4. An angry Pep Guardiola appears
After Arsenal’s equaliser, the Manchester City manager could be seen kicking his own chair in anger before shouting at the team. After the match, Guardiola addressed the incident. The sequence of play started after play resumed with right back Kyle Walker out of position after speaking to the referee, which is when Arsenal took advantage to score.
“I was [angry] with Kyle. But Kyle was right. The referee asked him to come to talk to him with the others. When that happens, some players have to be questionable and they have to adjust the back four, but he didn’t have time,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “When the referee said. ‘Come and talk to me,’ make sure we let him get back into position, because next time, we won’t talk to them. He explained what I explained now. There’s no problem with Kyle. “
Guardiola was not happy with the result of this, but when the game resumes, it is something at the discretion of the referees, Arsenal could only use it to gain an advantage.
3. The departure of Rodri
In matters that may affect the title race, Rodri missing anytime soon is something that will worry Manchester City. Rodri was an indispensable player in midfield not only providing defensive cover but also being able to get involved in attack with late runs into the box as well. Being out for possibly several months with a knee injury could be a massive blow.
City have been trying to find out who their back-up is for years and with Kalvin Phillips now on loan at Ipswich Town, the next ‘defensive midfielder’ could be centre-back John Stones. Apart from Erling Haaland, Rodri is the other player on the roster for whom there is no clear replacement and depending on the severity of his knee injury after further examination, it could see the Spanish midfielder on the sidelines for the rest of the season.
City may have to dip into the transfer market in January if that is the case, but managing until then will also be critical. It’s easier to do after picking up the draw against Arsenal but with league and cup obligations in mind, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a walk in the park.
2. Arsenal’s first goal by Riccardo Calafiori
A first goal for a club is always something that will be remembered, but when it comes to an absolute goalscorer against title rivals to level the scores, it’s a goal that means a little more. After a good run from Gabriel Martinelli, Calafiori got there by delivering a strike with his left foot that continued to rise until it eluded Ederson finding the top 90. It was quite a moment also marking the Italian’s first start for Arsenal at left back.
With that being a position that is in flux for the Gunners, he could be key to expanding the attack. There will be some concern due to Calafiori’s withdrawal in the 74th minute due to injury, but it doesn’t look like it will be anything too serious.
1. John Stones’ equalizer … and the antics of Erling Haaland
When you rank moments of a match, it’s impossible not to take the importance of them into play and John Stones’ goal had it all. Chaos in the box saw the ball fall to the Englishman and he would not miss. The match might not even have reached more than 97 minutes of play for the goal to happen if not for some time wasting in the second half that dragged the match. In the following moments of the goal, Haaland also threw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head, another moment that shows the underlying moments of this rivalry.
The pair were constantly tangled in the box and this was a moment during which Haaland released some of his frustration. It was reviewed by VAR and ruled no further action needed. Only time will tell what will happen in their next meeting.
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