Photograph by Michael Regan/Getty Photographs.
Manchester Metropolis stored their excellent document intact after salvaging a degree in opposition to Arsenal in Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League conflict on the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s facet got here into the tie the heavy favourites and noticed their odds shorten even additional when Erling Haaland opened the scoring after simply 9 minutes.
Nonetheless, an unimaginable first-half comeback noticed Mikel Arteta’s Gunners full an unlikely comeback.
Leandro Trossard pink card revealed defiant Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori, who was making his full debut, fired in an excellent strike earlier than a towering header from Gabriel simply 23 minutes later propelled the Gunners right into a stunning lead.
Issues have been made tougher for Arteta’s males after Leandro Trossard was proven a pink card simply seconds earlier than the half-time break.
Understanding his facet was going to must defend for his or her lives, Arteta sacrificed Bukayo Saka, who was named Arsenal captain for simply the second time in his profession, for extra defensively-minded Ben White.
And after 45 minutes of tenting in their very own half and forcing Metropolis again, Arsenal almost achieved what appeared not possible earlier within the day.
A 99 minute strike from John Stones despatched the Etihad wild with Guardiola left respiratory an enormous sigh of aid — heartbreak for the away crew although.
Rodri harm dampened Man Metropolis’s celebrations
Regardless of the jubilation Stones’ dramatically late equaliser introduced dwelling followers yesterday, Metropolis’s celebrations have been marred after it emerged Rodri, who was subbed off after 21 minutes, has suffered a critical harm.
The Spanish midfielder injured his knee within the first-half and, after play was stopped for a number of minutes, was seen hobbling down the tunnel.
Talking concerning the midfielder’s harm after the match, Guardiola, as quoted by inews, stated: “He’s robust, if he leaves the pitch, then he felt one thing. In any other case he wouldn’t go away the pitch.
“He’s the most effective defensive midfielder on this planet, a possible Ballon d’Or winner. It might be so nice if he does win it.
“However now we have to take care of it. We don’t understand how lengthy he’s out. However now we have to take care of it.”
And in response to a latest report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, there’s a important replace in Rodri’s state of affairs. The 28-year-old has suffered ligament injury and can miss a big chunk of the season.
‘Set for an extended absence’, Rodri’s latest setback will function an enormous blow to Guardiola, who’s now anticipated to be with out arguably the most effective participant on this planet, for a lot of the season.
Benefit Arsenal.
