Arsenal player ratings as two land 9/10s and one lands 2/10 in crushing late Man City draw

Arsenal missed out on a huge win over Manchester City on Sunday after coming from behind, holding out with 10 men for the whole second half only to concede an equaliser in virtually the last kick of the game to draw 2-2.

City took the lead within nine minutes after Savinho was allowed to stroll through the midfield and play a measured through ball to Erling Haaland. The Norwegian made no mistake.

But Arsenal responded well, despite largely playing on the back foot. A quick free-kick freed Gabriel Martinelli down the left-hand side, and after he cut the ball back to Riccardo Calafirori, the Italian found the top corner with a sweeping left-foot strike across goal from range.

The Gunners then took the lead during stoppage time in the first half, with Gabriel Magalhaes making up for a big miss from a very similar situation minutes earlier, timing his run perfectly to head home a wicked Bukayo Saka corner.

Arsenal’s game plan was then thrown out the window when Leandro Trossard picked up a silly second yellow card before the half-time whistle, and a second half of ultra-deep defending ensued.

With a deep line, Arsenal held out until virtually the last kick of the game when the ball broke to John Stones from a corner, handing him an open goal. Here we rate the Gunners players from the win.

David Raya - 8

Little he could do about the goal and was generally solid with not a whole lot to do until he made a strong ow safe with around four minutes left, getting down quickly to block a low volley. He couldn’t do much for the second, with the ball falling fortuitously to Stones after a goal-line clearance.

Jurrien Timber (Off at +2) - 9

Timber did well marking Doku, showing disciplined positioning and plenty of energy to cancel out the winger’s pace in the majority of scenarios. Had to be withdrawn in stoppage time with an injury that did not appear serious.

William Saliba - 9

Solid as ever. Saliba looks almost impossible to beat at the moment, quickly becoming one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. He barely put a foot wrong here. It’s worth noting that it’s tough to blame anyone for the final goal, given the unfortunate nature in which it broke to Stones. Arsenal could have planned better for the situation, not really knowing their roles for the final corner, but it didn’t come from an individual error.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 8

One of two players caught in no man’s land for the opener. Gabriel tried to follow a man wide despite the fact he had Timber there, and Haaland trotted through behind him. He missed a sitter of a header under the crossbar just before the 40-minute mark, and in an almost perfect repeat six minutes later, he got over the ball and this time scored. A nice redemption arc for Gabriel, who had a very solid game after the goal.

Riccardo Calafiori (Off at 72’) - 8

A simply gorgeous left-footed strike for the opener, curling it home from range. The Italian looked good on the ball and was largely composed defensively. A strong showing that suggests he will adapt well to the Premier League. Calafiori ultimately gave way due to a small injury or potentially cramp.

Declan Rice - 7

Rice was solid and his job got easier when Rodri went off through injury in the first half, creating a little more space in the middle. He did struggle at times coming out with the ball, but largely due to a lack of options with Arsenal sitting very deep. Rice certainly played a role in keeping the Gunners nice and compact in the second half.

Thomas Partey - 6

In no man’s land for the opener, marking no one as Savinho marched through the midfield and played an uncontested through ball to Haaland, who admittedly should have been tracked by a centre-back. He did make up for it somewhat with some quick thinking for the free-kick in the lead up to the leveller, and aside from the goal, he did hold his position well and do his job in the middle.

Gabriel Martinelli (Off at 87’) - 7

It’s perhaps generous to call it an assist given the strike came from so far out, but it will go down as one, and Martinelli did do well to face his men, cut inside and lay the ball off to Calafiori for the equaliser.

Bukayo Saka (Off at 45’) - 5

Provided an unbelievable corner kick assist for the second goal. Aside from that, Saka really didn’t offer much on the ball and will be disappointed he wasn’t at his dangerous best.

Kai Havertz - 6

Busy as ever but City kept things tight in the first half, and it was impossible for Havertz to do his usual work as a striker in the second due to the red card and the need for the Gunners to play deep and largely out of shape.

Leandro Trossard (Sent off 45+7) - 2

Had little impact and got sent off on the stroke of half-time. The first was a cheeky foul deserving of a yellow and the second was a silly decision, especially knowing he was on a yellow. With the ball in the air, he crashed into the back of his man and should have been far more aware of the situation. Arteta was outraged, but they were both yellow card offences.

Substitutes

Ben White (On at 45’) - 8

Formed part of a back five, although there were regularly six in the back-line with Arsenal essentially playing a 6-3 formation for much of the second half. As solid as Arteta could have asked, slotting in nicely.

Jakub Kiwior (On at 72’) - 6

Came on for Calafiori and kept things tight while not making any mistakes, which is all Arsenal needed of him in the low block.

Gabriel Jesus (On at 87’) - 7

Provided late energy at a time when Arsenal desperately needed someone to get hold of the ball and simply run. He even made some nice tackles deep in Arsenal’s own half. A solid cameo.

Only on for a matter of minutes but he did his job.