Manchester City and Arsenal shared a furious and dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium after John Stones’ 98th minute equaliser.
City took the lead when Erling Haaland struck early in the game and the champions looked in full control. But the game unravelled for Pep Guardiola’s side, first when Rodri came off injured on 20 minutes, and then when Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori swept home a stunning equaliser.
Gabriel then rose to power home a head and give Arsenal a 2-1 lead heading into half-time, but moments before the break the Gunners were reduced to 10 men in unusual circumstances when Leandro Trossard first clattered into City’s Bernardo Silva and then kicked the ball away in frustration.
City spent the entire second half attacking and left it very, very late to finally get the goal that denied 10-man Arsenal a huge victory.
Arteta told Sky Sports: “I am so proud of the team. We played the game in a difficult context. Playing against the best team in the world.
“After what happened we went 2-1 up – it was a different story and I prefer not to make any comment about Leandro Trossard’s red card.
“Obviously, it is already a miracle we played 56 minutes at the Etihad with 10 men. It is unbelievable what we have done.
“It is obvious what happened when they made that decision, but it doesn’t deserve my comment. I don’t want to ruin anything else off the pitch.”
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “The most important thing in the second half is we didn’t conceded fouls. Because they wanted to stop the game, stop the game. I don’t know how many went down with cramp because it was such a demanding game. But we didn’t concede fouls and fouls with deliberate action.
“It was difficult because you can create and cross in the box but they have Calafiori, Ben White, Saliba, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Gabriel, it was difficult. There were ten players there.
“But we were so patient, right, left, right, left to find the shots and the actions. Raya made incredible saves, but we got what we deserved.
“Maybe I would have done the same [as what Arsenal did in the second half]. You have to ask to Mikel what are the tactics. But it was a long ball from Raya to Havertz who showed unbelievable strong, the second balls they go really well for them in front and behind.”
