It was an enthralling encounter at the Etihad, well for 51 minutes at least until Michael Oliver decided to change the game state by sending Leandro Trossard off for kicking the ball away, a second yellow dished out almost as quickly as the Belgian had kicked the ball away before hearing the whistle.
Erling Haaland put the Citizens in front as he bagged his 100th goal in 105 appearances when he was slipped in by new signing, Savio. The winger cut inside before putting Haaland through on goal and the Norwegian did what he does best.
The home side would be pegged back in the 23rd minute when Riccardo Califiouri announced himself to the Arsenal faithful on his first full debut by curling a first time effort into the top corner and beyond the reach of Ederson. Gabrielle Martinelli was found in space, to the annoyance and complaints of the City players who felt hard done by when Kyle Walker was called over to speak to the referee in the centre circle and argued that he was not yet back in position.
Five minutes before halftime Arsenal would take the lead. Gabriel Magalhaes bullied the Walker and thumped his header home, a second goal in a week for the centre back. Set up again by a wicked delivery from Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s captain on the day. The mercurial winger’s assist means he joins an elite club of just two Premier League players who have managed to register an assist on each of the five opening game weeks, equalling former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record.
But on the stroke of halftime the Gunners were pegged down to 10 men when Michael Oliver showed Leandro Trossard a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. Just as the game was about to pop-off, England’s supposedly best official decided to make the game about himself. Sad really, the best product we have tainted every week by poor officiating.
The second half was a snooze fest. Arteta brought on Ben White for Saka and went five at the back. The nastiest low block that even the likes of Diego Simeone would be proud of would ensue. City had no answers, sideways passes galore. They tried picking Haaland out but the two big centre backs in William Saliba and Gabrielle ate up every cross that came their way.
Pep turned to his bench and would be rewarded for it when second-half substitute John Stones bundled the ball over the line in the 8th minute of injury time to steal a point.
An impressive showing from the Arsenal who are clearly hot on the heels of the Treble winners.