AfriPulse
Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic late equaliser to salvage a point for Arsenal in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates.
The Brazilian forward’s delicate lob in stoppage time cancelled out Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike, denying Pep Guardiola’s side a statement away win in the Premier League.
Haaland strikes early
City made the perfect start when Haaland finished a sweeping move he had initiated, slotting past David Raya for his 13th goal of the season.
The Norwegian forward looked back to his devastating best, troubling Arsenal’s backline with his physical presence.
Martinelli scored a dink past Donnarumma to equalize the game for Arsenal – Getty image
Mikel Arteta’s selection choices left Arsenal sluggish and lacking creativity in the first half, with Viktor Gyokeres ineffective up front and summer signing Mikel Merino caught out in midfield.
Guardiola, meanwhile, named the same starting XI for a third successive match, a first in four years.
Arsenal rally after changes
The introductions of Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze at half-time transformed Arsenal’s performance.
Saka’s delivery and Eze’s sharpness gave the hosts new momentum, with Martin Zubimendi and Eze both testing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City, however, remained dangerous on the counter. Jeremy Doku set up Haaland for a one-on-one, only for Raya to deny him.
Guardiola then shut down the contest with defensive changes, reverting to a back five as time ticked away.
Martinelli delivers late drama
With City seemingly closing out the game, Arsenal found a breakthrough in stoppage time.
Eze’s lofted ball unlocked the defence, and Martinelli lifted a clever finish over Donnarumma, the first goal the Italian conceded in City colours.
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