Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, 21 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

The match between Arsenal and Manchester City ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that might not have been surprising given the recent form of both teams. Arsenal, coming off a convincing 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, showed resilience at home, managing to equalise late in the game. Manchester City, who had a strong performance against Manchester United in their last outing, took an early lead but couldn't hold on, reflecting their inconsistent form with recent losses to Brighton and Tottenham. This draw sees Arsenal maintaining their solid start to the season, while Manchester City will be looking to regain their footing after a mixed run of results.

Erling Haaland's early goal for Manchester City set the tone for a competitive match, but Arsenal's late equaliser by Gabriel Martinelli in the 90+3rd minute ensured both teams left with a point. The draw ends Arsenal's winning streak at home but keeps them unbeaten in their last three matches. For Manchester City, this result breaks a run of two consecutive losses, offering a glimmer of hope as they look to climb the table. Both teams showed moments of brilliance, with Arsenal's late surge highlighting their determination and Manchester City's early dominance showcasing their potential.

The statistics from the match reflect Arsenal's dominance in possession and set-piece opportunities, with 67% ball possession and 11 corners compared to Manchester City's 33% and 1 corner. Despite this, Manchester City managed to keep the game close, with both teams having an equal number of successful dribbles at 55% and 56% respectively. The disparity in possession and corners did not translate into a win for Arsenal, highlighting Manchester City's efficiency in their limited opportunities.

The yellow card count was higher for Manchester City with two, compared to Arsenal's one, indicating a slightly more disciplined performance from the home side. The most significant statistic was Arsenal's injury time goal, which salvaged a point for them and underscored their resilience. Overall, the stats suggest Arsenal controlled the game but needed a late push to secure a draw, while Manchester City made the most of their chances despite less possession.

The key moments of the match were defined by the goals and the late substitutions. Erling Haaland's goal in the 9th minute gave Manchester City an early lead, setting the stage for a tense encounter. Arsenal's response came in the dying moments of the game when Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 90+3rd minute, ensuring a dramatic equaliser that kept Arsenal's unbeaten run at home intact.

Substitutions played a crucial role in the match's outcome. Arsenal made five changes, with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka coming on at halftime, and Gabriel Martinelli's introduction in the 80th minute proving decisive as he scored the equaliser. Manchester City also made five substitutions, but none had the same impact as Martinelli's for Arsenal. The yellow cards, particularly Jurriën Maduro's for Arsenal and Bernardo Silva's for Manchester City, added to the game's intensity but did not directly influence the result.

Arsenal lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with David Raya in goal and a backline of Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori. The midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice provided a solid base, while Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, and Leandro Trossard led the attack. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI.

The impact of substitutions was significant, with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka coming on at halftime to inject fresh energy into the team. Gabriel Martinelli's introduction in the 80th minute proved crucial, as he scored the equaliser in injury time. His performance off the bench highlighted his importance to the squad and Arsenal's ability to change the game's momentum with their substitutes.

Manchester City opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and a defense consisting of Abdukodir Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O'Reilly. Rodri anchored the midfield, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, and Jérémy Doku providing support, and Erling Haaland leading the line. The lineup was typical of Manchester City's approach, with no major surprises.

The substitutions made by Manchester City did not have the same impact as those of Arsenal. Matheus Luiz Nunes, Nathan Aké, Nicolás González Iglesias, John Stones, and Sávio Moreira de Oliveira came on at various points, but none managed to change the game's outcome. Erling Haaland's early goal was the standout moment for Manchester City, showcasing his importance to the team despite the draw.

Erling Haaland is Coral’s Man of the Match, with his goal in the 9th minute proving to be the highlight of Manchester City's performance. Despite not contributing any assists, big chances created, or key passes, his clinical finishing was crucial in giving Manchester City the lead. Haaland's ability to score early set the tone for the match and demonstrated his importance to the team's attacking threat.

• Draw: 1-1 vs Manchester City (H)

• Win: 3-0 vs Nottingham Forest (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Liverpool (A)

• Win: 5-0 vs Leeds United (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Arsenal (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs Manchester United (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Sitting in 4th place with 9 points, Arsenal will face Port Vale in EFL Cup action on September 24, 2025. The draw against Manchester City might encourage them to maintain their aggressive approach, especially at home, as they look to continue their strong start to the season.

Currently in 12th place with 6 points, Manchester City will now take on Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup on September 24, 2025. The draw against Arsenal could serve as a turning point, motivating them to be more clinical in their next match.

• Brentford Vs Man United

• Leeds United Vs Bournemouth

• Chelsea Vs Brighton

• Man City Vs Burnley

• Aston Villa Vs Fulham

• Crystal Palace Vs Liverpool

• Nottingham Forest Vs Sunderland

• Tottenham Vs Wolves

• Newcastle Vs Arsenal

• Everton Vs West Ham

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