Arsenal 1-1 City: Martinelli’s Late Goal Secures Vital Point

Arsenal match against Manchester City ended 1-1 with Martinelli’s late equaliser, as Arteta’s side fought back to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Arsenal earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on September 21, 2025. Erling Haaland gave City an early lead, but Gabriel Martinelli struck in stoppage time to salvage a crucial Premier League point for the Gunners.

Manchester City struck first in the 9th minute when Erling Haaland finished a swift counterattack created by Tijjani Reijnders. The goal came against the flow of play, with Arsenal enjoying nearly 80% possession in the opening exchanges.

It was also the first open-play goal Arsenal conceded this season, highlighting City’s ruthless efficiency.

Despite dominating the ball, Arsenal struggled to find clear openings. Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard created half-chances, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma remained untested throughout the half.

Arteta’s Substitutions Shift Momentum

At halftime, Mikel Arteta introduced Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, a move that transformed Arsenal’s attack. Eze’s driving runs troubled City, while Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi pushed higher up the pitch.

City stayed dangerous on the break. Haaland forced a sharp save from David Raya, and Bernardo Silva received a yellow card in a heated midfield battle.

Arsenal’s persistence finally paid off in injury time. In the 92nd minute, Eberechi Eze delivered a sublime pass over the top, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli produced a clinical chip past Donnarumma.

It was Martinelli’s second goal in a week and a reminder of his match-winning strike against City back in October 2023. The late equalizer sent the Emirates crowd wild and underlined Arsenal’s never-say-die spirit.

What This Result Means for Arsenal

The draw leaves Arsenal five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Manchester City remain further adrift. Guardiola’s side faces scrutiny over their defensive tactics, while Arsenal showed title-winning mentality with their late fightback.

Gabriel Martinelli’s goal proved decisive, and Arteta’s substitutions highlighted Arsenal’s squad depth. This performance reinforces the Gunners’ credentials as genuine contenders for the Premier League crown.

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