English defender John Stones saves Manchester City’s day with a late goal against Arsenal in Etihad Stadium in Premier League 2024-25.
Mikel Arteta traveled all the way to Etihad Stadium from Italy after a frustrating goalless draw against Atalanta BC in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. The Spanish gaffer made two changes to the starting XI with Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard making their way in for Ben White and Gabriel Jesus for their clash against the defending champions of the Premier League.
On the other side, Manchester City had a similar result in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, as Etihad witnessed another goalless match against Italian giants Internazionale. Belgian playmaker Kevin de Bruyne picked up a knock in their previous match, which meant that he would be missing the Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
Table of Content
First Half
The first half started on a really positive note for the hosts as Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored the first goal after a great move by Savinho within 9 minutes of the game. This was Haaland’s 100th goal for the Cityzen in only 105 appearances, becoming the fourth player to do so, after Sergio Agüero (260), Raheem Sterling (131), and Kevin De Bruyne (106). He is also the fourth player to do so under Pep Guardiola.
The hosts came close to scoring their second as Savinho took a curling attempt from a free-kick, but he was denied by the crossbar. Injury woes for the Cityzens as Rodri was forced off the pitch after a clash with Thomas Partey in the penalty box. He was replaced by Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić, who paired up with İlkay Gündoğan.
The Gunners soon came up with a response to Man City’s early goal as Gabriel Martinelli’s quick free-kick found Riccardo Calafiori and the Italian defender made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Arsenal soon took the lead as Bukayo Saka’s corner was headed in by Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães, who did enough to get off his marker Joško Gvardiol. Arsenal have now scored 18 goals from set piece since the start of the last season, which is 6 more than other teams. At the final moment of the first half, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard was shown a red card, after his challenge on Man City winger Bernardo Silva.
Second Half
Coming on to the second half, Mikel Arteta brought on Ben White for Bukayo Saka in order to defend against City with a man down. At the mark of the 59th minute, a cross by Kyle Walker found Erling Haaland, whose attempt to equalize was denied by the Gunners’ keeper David Raya. Bernardo Silva tried to score from the rebound, but his shot was narrowly wide.
Manchester City made multiple attempts to find their equalizer but Arsenal’s defence was strong enough to deny them. But Manchester City finally found the back of the net in the 90+8th minute, as English defender John Stones tucked the ball into an open goal, as Mateo Kovačić’s shot was deflected.
Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson; Kyle Walker (78’ John Stones), Manuel Akanji, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol; Rodri (21’ Mateo Kovačić), İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva; Savinho (78’ Jack Grealish), Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku (70’ Phil Foden).
Arsenal: David Raya;Riccardo Calafiori (74’ Jakub Kiwior), William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber (90+2’Myles Lewis-Skelly); Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz; Bukayo Saka (46’ Ben White), Gabriel Martinelli (87’ Gabriel Jesus), Leandro Trossard.
What Next For Both Teams
Pep Guardiola’s men will be facing Watford in the Third Round of the Carabou Cup on 25th September. The match will take place in Etihad Stadium.
On the other hand, the Gunners will be facing Bolton in the Third Round of the Carabou Cup on 26th September. The match will be hosted by Arsenal on their home turf, Emirates Stadium.
