Last Minute Drama at Emirates: Martinelli equalises, resulting in a Stalemate
Arsenal didn’t have an answer to City’s strong, solid defense until stoppage time. Throughout the 90 minutes, Arsenal continually attempted to create numerous chances, but lacked the clinicality to capitalize on them.
Whereas City was clinical with Haaland being the Grim Reaper. But in the last moments of the game, comes a long ball from Eze. Alert Martinelli latches onto it while Donnatumma is out of the goal. Martinelli lifts the ball over the helpless Italian. The Emirates Stadium erupts, and the match ends on a high note.
Timeline
- 9’ GOAL! Erling Haaland (Man-City)- City counter, Reijnder’s sharp through pass, and a powerful left netting by Haaland.
- 90+3’ GOAL! Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)- Arsenal attack, Eze’s long ball, Martinelli lifts the ball over City’s goalkeeper.
Final Score: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
Tactical Breakdown:
Manchester City’s initial plan was to high-press Arsenal and make them commit mistakes. In the first few minutes, Man City was pressing highly, but Arsenal looked solid in midfield. Arsenal won a corner around the 7th minute, and a mistake by Arsenal’s set-piece positioning led to City’s quick counter. Reijndeers carried the ball flawlessly through the ground, where Arsenal’s defence was too slow to track back—an easy pass to Haaland and a beautiful finish by Haaland.
After the first goal, City continued to dominate the midfield, forcing Arsenal to rely on wing play and set pieces only. By the end of the first half, Arsenal managed to create a few chances but failed to capitalize on them.
In the second half, Arteta made some tactical changes by bringing Saka and Eze. This added the flare and attacking creativity that were lacking in the first half. Passes were more accurate with numerous chances, leading the ball to the final third. City switched to full defense to protect its lead, with many attackers like Haaland substituted with defenders.
In the dying minutes of the game, City’s defense looked shaky, and Arsenal was still making numerous chances. At the 93rd minute, a long ball from Eze in the box, with alert Martinelli chips it over Donnarumma.The Emirates Stadium erupts, Arsenal has done it, they have finally equalised.
Standout Performers:
- Reijnders – Tremendous ball-carrying ability and press-resistant, with accurate passing throughout 90 minutes and a crucial assist.
- Haaland – The Grim Reaper of defenders, strong ball holding, and clinical. Scored a goal and outperformed his xG.
- Martinelli – Scored a goal in stoppage time, winning a crucial point for the team. Made a lot of playmaking chances in the second half.
- Eze – Added the attacking creativity from the left wing. Snatched a point by a beautiful lofted pass to Martinelli in the last moments.
Manager and Player Reaction
Mikel Arteta:
“I’m very proud of the team. We dominated them, and I’m very disappointed with the result”.
“It was so unfair to concede that goal, and after we dominated again”.
Pep Guardiola:
“Arsenal are a team that have fought for the last two Premier Leagues to win it. They arrived in the semi-finals of the Champions League”.
“It’s not just Man City that invests money, as they did it as well. So tough. We were there”.
Stats:
Effects on the Premier League Table
This stalemate gives a huge advantage to Liverpool in the title race. With Arsenal and City both losing points, it might affect them in the later stages of the season. When a few points decide the title and UCL spot.
After Matchday 5, the table looks like this:
Fan Reactions:
Conclusion
Arsenal should have won the match, as playing at home gives them a huge advantage. Though after the match, it seems fans are much happier with the draw. But this season, Arsenal’s main target is the Premier League title. This is where they should step up and win these important points. The same goes for City; it looked like they got the momentum after last weekend, but failed to defend an important lead.
