Arsenal had to grind out their clash with Manchester City in a difficult clash at the Etihad Stadium, where they had to settle for a late draw.
Erling Haaland scored the opener early in the game, but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes put the Gunners in the ascendency.
Their challenge was made tougher when Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card just before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw Arsenal drop deep as Mikel Arteta instructed his team to defend with their life, which they did well.
That was until John Stones struck in the last minute of stoppage time, meaning that the Gunners had to settle for a draw.
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Pep Guardiola discusses Arsenal’s performance against Man City
Man City boss Pep Guardiola discussed the performance of Arsenal after the game, giving plenty of credit to the team.
Speaking to the press, he said: “Many things happened in the second three or four. We had the passion to fight like in the last two years against the team who want to steal our Premier League. Calafiori made an exceptional goal.
“We have to defend the second goal but give credit to them. Gabriel is so strong. They block players in the first post so because it happens every game you have to give credit for them.
“After the red give credit to Arsenal because they were really, really good. We were smart to make the game slowly and not concede fouls. That was good because the game continued and continued.
“They are the biggest contender in the last two years. They are exceptional and we know it. They are able to do many, many good things.”
It shows how difficult the match was made by Arsenal, with Gabriel and Calafiori singled out for plenty of praise.
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Mikel Arteta left proud by Arsenal display
Despite their struggles and the late conceded goal, Arteta revealed that he was proud of his team’s display against Man City.
“We had a very difficult start. We struggled to control certain spaces we didn’t have enough ability. We adapted to that context in the best possible way.
“I’m so proud of them. You cannot be given a more difficult situation against that opponent and I’m so proud of my team.”
It adds another point to the tally for the Gunners and ensures that their rivals don’t move five points clear of them.
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