A stoppage-time strike from Gabriel Martinelli rescued Arsenal as they held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The result denied City a much-needed victory while keeping Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in the title race.

Haaland’s early opener

The visitors struck first in the ninth minute through Erling Haaland, who finished off a swift counter-attack. Starting from his own half, the Norwegian striker combined with Tijjani Reijnders before firing a low strike across goal.

It was the first open-play goal Arsenal had conceded this season and their earliest concession in a Premier League match since September 2024.

Arsenal take control

Despite the early setback, Arsenal dominated possession, enjoying 68 percent of the ball and registering 12 attempts compared to City’s five. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined defense.

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The Gunners’ first real opportunity came in the 32nd minute, when Noni Madueke headed off target. It was the first time since April 2021 that Arsenal had gone more than 30 minutes into a league match without a single attempt on goal.

Arsenal piled on pressure after the break, forcing City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into several key saves. City, however, nearly doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Haaland’s shot was parried and the rebound deflected over the bar.

Martinelli’s late heroics

Just as City seemed set to take all three points, Arsenal found their breakthrough. In the third minute of stoppage time, substitute Eberechi Eze slipped a precise through ball to Martinelli. The Brazilian forward kept his composure, lobbing Donnarumma with his first touch to secure a dramatic equalizer.

The draw leaves Arsenal second in the table with 10 points from five games, five points behind leaders Liverpool. City, meanwhile, sit ninth with just seven points from their opening fixtures.