Martinelli’s late equaliser rescues Arsenal against Man City

Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Arsenal drew with Manchester City in a hard-fought Premier League clash.

It was the second match in a row that Martinelli made an impact off the bench, having contributed a goal and an assist against Athletic Club in the Champions League in midweek.

The Gunners went behind in the ninth minute on Sunday when Erling Haaland rolled the ball past David Raya at the end of a devastating City counter-attack.

Arsenal pushed for an equaliser for much of the second half and were rewarded with Martinelli’s dinked finish in the 93rd minute.

Manager Mikel Arteta again named a midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino, but the Gunners struggled to create meaningful chances before the break, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, returning from a hamstring injury, were introduced at the start of the second half, and the hosts immediately began playing with more intensity.

In the latter stages, City boss Pep Guardiola responded to Arsenal’s growing threat by switching to a back five as the visitors looked to protect their lead. However, Martinelli latched onto Eze’s injury-time through ball and lifted his finish over the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma, sparking jubilation among the home fans.

Arteta is now the only manager to have gone five successive games unbeaten against Guardiola in his managerial career.