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Sometimes top-of-the-table clashes don’t live up to expectations in the Premier League as teams can become conservative by not losing rather than playing to win a match. When Arsenal and Manchester City met on Sunday it was not such an occasion with the playing two title rivals to a 2-2 draw, which had a bit of everything. From golazos to the dark arts With a mix of red cards and passionate displays, it’s clear they’re taking this seriously, knowing any missed points could see a Premier League title slip away.
With that, here are the biggest moments of the match:
5. Bukayo Saka matches Thierry Henry
In the history of the Premier League, only two players have provided an assist in their team’s first five games of the season. Thierry Henry in 2005/05 and now Bukayo Saka. The England winger has stepped up a gear for Arsenal and although he has scored less so far to start the new season, he is making up for this by creating plenty of chances for his teammates, which has meant he has already scored five assists.
Saka assisted Gabriel’s header, which would give the Gunners hope in the match just before half-time. Those hopes were somewhat dashed when Leandro Trossard was sent off just before the half-time whistle, but that is not diminishing at the moment. Not only is Saka 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 an award with Henry only adds to that.
4. Angry Pep Guardiola appears
After Arsenal’s equalizer, the Manchester City manager was seen furiously kicking his own chair before shouting at the team. After the match, Guardiola addressed the incident. The order of play started after play resumed with right back Kyle Walker out of position after speaking to the referee. At that moment Arsenal took advantage to score.
“It was me [angry] with Kyle. But Kyle was right. The referee asked him to come and talk to him with the others. If that happens, some players must 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 to the position because next time we’re not going to talk to them. He explained what I’ve explained now. That’s not so .” a problem with Kyle.”
Guardiola was not happy with the outcome of that, but when play resumes is something for the referees to decide. Arsenal could simply use it to gain an advantage.
3. Rodri’s departure
In matters that could impact the title race, The fact that Rodri is missing at any moment is something that will worry Manchester City. Rodri has been an indispensable player in midfield, not only providing defensive cover but also being able to get involved in attack with late runs into the penalty area. Possibly being out for several months with a knee injury can be a huge blow.
City have been trying to figure out who their back-up is for years and with Kalvin Phillips on loan at Ipswich Town, centre-back John Stones could be the next ‘defensive midfielder’. Outside of Erling Haaland, Rodri is the other player on the roster for whom there is no clear replacement. Depending on the severity of his knee injury, the Spanish midfielder could be sidelined for the rest of the season after further investigation.
If that is the case, City may have to enter the transfer market in January, but it will also be crucial to hold on until then. It’s easier to do after the draw against Arsenal, but when you take the league and cup games into account, that doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park.
2. Riccardo Calafiori’s first Arsenal goal
A first goal for a club will always be remembered, but when it is an absolute golazo against title rivals to level the score, it is a goal that means something more. After a good run from Gabriel Martinelli, Calafiori came on and delivered a strike with his left foot that continued to rise until it eluded Ederson and found the top 90. It was quite a moment that also marked 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 a key to expanding the attack. There will be some concern as Calafiori has to withdraw with an injury in the 74th minute, but it doesn’t look like it will be anything serious.
1. John Stones’ equalizer… and Erling Haaland’s antics
When ranking moments from a match it’s impossible not to bring the seriousness into play and John Stones’ goal had it all. Chaos in the penalty area saw the ball fall to the Englishman and he was not going to miss. The match might not even have lasted more than 97 minutes before the goal was scored if not for some wasted time in the second half, causing the match to be postponed. In the next moments of the goal, Haaland also threw the ball to the back of Gabriel’s head, another moment that shows the underlying moments of this rivalry.
The duo were constantly in the box and that was a moment when Haaland released some of his frustration. It was reviewed by VAR and ruled that no further action was required. Only time will tell what will happen during their next meeting.