‘That could be a big point’…It may not feel like it now, but is that a point that could win Arsenal the title this season? I think they are going to run Liverpool very close this year. That could be a big point.
Martinelli’s BRILLIANT finish in stoppage time sees Arsenal draw vs Manchester City! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3CgC36tDvP
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 21, 2025
A late Gabriel Martinelli strike secured a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester City in a fiercely contested Premier League encounter. City’s Erling Haaland had opened the scoring, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack, but Arsenal found a crucial equalizer deep into the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli is @Arsenal's player for the big moments ✨ pic.twitter.com/cmRZWnH7HU
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 21, 2025
Arsenal Player Ratings:
- David Raya (GK – 6/10): Largely untested aside from a routine save on Haaland. Powerless to stop the striker’s well-taken goal.
- Jurrien Timber (RB – 5.5/10): Struggled defensively against the pace and trickery of Jeremy Doku, who targeted his flank consistently.
- William Saliba (CB – 7/10): Composed in possession and made several important clearances to alleviate pressure.
- Gabriel (CB – 7/10): A solid defensive performance with key interventions, though he was caught out during the build-up to Haaland’s opener.
- Riccardo Calafiori (LB – 6.5/10): Defensively sound and provided a occasional threat with deliveries into the box.
- Martin Zubimendi (CM – 7/10): Neat and tidy in midfield possession and made intelligent runs into threatening areas.
- Declan Rice (CM – 7/10): His dangerous crossing was a primary source of attack, though he saw limited impact in open play despite having plenty of the ball.
- Mikel Merino (CM – 6/10): Substituted at half-time after a quiet first half with minimal influence.
- Noni Madueke (RW – 5.5/10): Lacked end product with his final ball and was replaced at the break.
- Victor Gyokeres (ST – 6.5/10): Showed bright moments in link-up play but was largely isolated and denied clear chances.
- Leandro Trossard (LW – 5.5/10): Full of energy but was consistently shut down, with his final delivery often disappointing.
Substitutes:
- Bukayo Saka (7/10): An improved creative outlet in the second half, delivering dangerous crosses.
- Eberechi Eze (7/10): Lively and made things happen, providing an excellent assist for the equalizer.
- Gabriel Martinelli (7.5/10): Scored a superb late goal to salvage a point, making a decisive impact off the bench.
- Ethan Nwaneri & Christhian Mosquera (N/A): Insufficient time to influence the game.
Manchester City Player Ratings:
32.8% possession is the lowest figure any Pep Guardiola team has ever recorded in a top-flight match 📊 pic.twitter.com/7q4JZBD9ag
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 21, 2025
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK – 7/10): Commanded his area well, making key saves and confidently dealing with crosses.
- Abdukodir Khusanov (RB – 7/10): Solid defensively, effectively neutralizing Arsenal’s left side before a first-half injury forced him off.
- Ruben Dias (CB – 7/10): Dealt well with the threat of Gyokeres and produced crucial clearances.
- Josko Gvardiol (CB – 7.5/10): Flawless in defence, provided essential cover on the flank, and initiated attacks from the back.
- Nico O’Reilly (LB – 7/10): Recovered from some early shaky moments against Madueke to put in a resilient defensive shift.
- Rodri (CM – 7.5/10): Worked tirelessly, was effective in possession, and made numerous important defensive clearances.
- Tijjani Reijnders (CM – 8/10): Provided the assist for Haaland’s goal after a lung-busting run and was tidy in possession throughout.
- Phil Foden (CM – 6/10): Saw very little of the ball in a match where City conceded possession.
- Bernardo Silva (RW – 6.5/10): Contributed more defensively than in attack, working hard to track back and support his full-back.
- Erling Haaland (ST – 8/10): Man of the Match. A constant menace on the break, his pace was pivotal and he took his goal expertly.
- Jeremy Doku (LW – 8/10): Tormented the Arsenal defence, particularly Timber, and was City’s most potent attacking outlet.
Substitutes:
- Matheus Nunes (6.5/10): Helped keep City organized and difficult to break down after coming on.
- Nathan Ake, Nico Gonzalez, John Stones, Savinho (N/A): Insufficient time to influence the game.