Kai Havertz of Arsenal reacts throughout the Premier League match between Manchester Metropolis FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Picture by Michael Regan/Getty Photographs)
Arsenal hearts had been damaged as John Stones struck within the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to grab a 2-2 draw for Manchester Metropolis in Sunday’s title conflict.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring after 9 minutes along with his a hundredth Man Metropolis purpose on this battle between the Premier League’s prime two from the final two seasons.
Nevertheless, Arsenal hit again brilliantly with Riccardo Calafiori scoring a shocking first purpose for the membership within the twenty second minute, whereas Gabriel Magalhães headed dwelling a Bukayo Saka nook to provide the guests the lead.
However simply earlier than half-time, catastrophe struck for Arsenal as Leandro Trossard was proven a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, simply weeks after Declan Rice was despatched off for the same offence.
Whether or not or not a crimson card was actually warranted stays up for debate however what’s for positive is the dismissal left Arsenal with a mountainous second-half process to maintain Metropolis out.
A mix of unbelievable defending and cat-like goalkeeping from David Raya saved Pep Guardiola’s males at bay proper till one of many last kicks of the sport as Stones fired dwelling the rebound from a blocked Mateo Kovacic shot.
Timber and Havertz stats sum up Arsenal process
Regardless of the immense disappointment Arsenal followers should be feeling, Mikel Arteta described it as a ‘miracle’ after the match that his aspect managed to carry onto the lead for therefore lengthy with 10 males.
Certainly, Metropolis outshot Arsenal 28-1 with 88% possession and 390 accomplished passes to 31 within the second half.
However few stats will present the duty Arsenal had been offered with within the second 45 than these run up by Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.
Sitting in a nine-man slim block in entrance of Raya, the duo tried 11 passes all through your complete match however managed to finish precisely 0% of them. Havertz, in the meantime, was unsuccessful along with his solely tried dribble.
Solely two outfield gamers have performed 89+ minutes of a Premier League recreation and never accomplished a single move since @OptaJoe data started:
? Kai Havertz vs. Man Metropolis (0/5)
? Jurrien Timber vs. Man Metropolis (0/6)And it occurred in the identical recreation. ? pic.twitter.com/KCKHP3S4RN
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 22, 2024
Nevertheless, the pair posted some unbelievable defensive numbers, making a mixed three tackles, 9 clearances, three recoveries, 10 contested aerial duels (4 received), 14 contested floor duels (6 received) and 4 fouls dedicated.
Ultimately, it wasn’t fairly sufficient, however Arsenal should be given credit score for coming so near holding this rampant Man Metropolis group out with a stellar defensive effort.
For the document, John Stones touched the ball twice following his introduction, along with his second contact deciding the match.
High picture by Michael Regan/Getty Photographs
