There were a lot of talking points from Arsenal’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Manchester in search of their first three points at the Etihad since 2015.
Arsenal got incredibly close to making their wish come true, as the Gunners led until the dying embers before John Stones netted a last-gasp equaliser.
Playing at the home of the champions with 10 men in the second half proved that Arsenal are right up there with City, with the fixture giving Arteta plenty of positives to digest.
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Three things that became clear after Arsenal’s draw vs Man City
Two superb goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes sent the away end into pandemonium, seeing Arsenal carry a lead into half time.
What was unfortunate and ultimately game altering was Leandro Trossard’s sending off before the interval, forcing the visitors to play the second half a man short and defending a lead.
In a second half dominated by City, Arsenal stood firm until the last moment as Stones earned Pep Guardiola’s side a point, with the fact that a result could be taken back to the Emirates very telling of the quality of Arteta’s squad.
Here are three things that Arteta learned about his side after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Man City.
Arsenal have the best defence in the league
Many weren’t happy with Arteta’s defensive approach in the second half although, there was little choice for Arsenal to play any different given their situation.
If anything, the odds that were against the visitors only reinforced just how strong the back line is, with the Gunners able to withstand City’s pressure to take a point from the affair.
The numbers only emphasise just how difficult Arsenal were to break down in the second half, as City only recorded 1.04 xG (expected goals), despite firing 28 shots at David Raya’s goal, via Sofascore.
From the performance of the goalkeeper himself to the concentration and stability of Arsenal’s back line, it became clear that Arteta possesses the best defence in the Premier League right now.
Man City are bothered by Arsenal
One measurement of success is how you’re seen by those at the top, with the draw against City highlighting just how much Arteta’s side bother the reigning champions.
There were multiple occasions that portrayed City’s dissatisfaction at not being able to beat Arsenal, with several players speaking to the media after the game to share their verdict.
John Stones criticised Arsenal and Bernardo Silva ranted about Arteta’s tactics, with Manuel Akanji, Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland all having something to say about the draw.
It’s something that Arsenal should relish at this time, with a clear change in dynamic around the fixture, as City have now been unable to get the better of the North Londoners in the last four Premier League meetings.
Mikel Arteta’s youngsters are ready
Arsenal have been away from the Emirates for the previous two Premier League fixtures as the Gunners were tested against Spurs and City.
In both fixtures, Arteta displayed his trust in the next wave of talent to come out of Hale End, seeing Ethan Nwaneri involved against Spurs and Myles Lewis-Skelly against City.
The two 17-year-old’s made an impact in ways that showed the manager that the future is in good hands, with both displaying a fearless yet grounded edge.
Against the champions, Lewis-Skelly got stuck in off the pitch, seeing him pick up a booking before he even made his debut, as well as being involved in some on-field scuffles between the two sides.
Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly seem to be fine young talents who have the mentalities to match, with the future looking incredibly bright based on their approach in both of the blockbuster fixtures.
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