Arsenal fought hard with 10 men to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday. Despite deploying defensive tactics to protect their 2-1 lead, the Gunners were unable to hold on as John Stones scored in the 98th minute to salvage a point for City. Nevertheless, Arsenal can take pride in their strong defensive performance in the second half.
According to player ratings from 90min, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was outstanding in the match. He remained composed and made several crucial saves to deny City from taking the lead. Raya also took charge of his defense by coming out for crosses and positioning himself well in dangerous situations.
Jurrien Timber also had an exceptional game for Arsenal. The defender was aggressive and proactive throughout, dominating tackles and keeping players like Jeremy Doku quiet. Timber’s versatility allowed him to contribute both defensively and offensively, showcasing his importance in helping Arsenal fight for a well-deserved win.
On the other hand, Leandro Trossard let his team down with a careless act that resulted in his sending off. After committing a foul on Bernardo Silva, Trossard needlessly kicked the ball away, impacting his teammates who had to defend their lead with their backs against the wall for the rest of the game. With Mikel Arteta facing an injury crisis, such actions from players like Trossard will not be well-received.
Arsenal showed resilience and determination against Manchester City despite being reduced to 10 men. Their solid defensive display and standout performances from players like Raya and Timber highlight their ability to compete against top teams in challenging circumstances.
