Arsenal Player Ratings vs Manchester City: Martinelli Rescues Point, Eze Inspires Gunners
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- 22.09.2025
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Match Summary: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
Arsenal left it late to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score an injury-time equalizer, rescuing a point for the battling Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.
The result leaves Arsenal five points adrift of early table-toppers and reigning champions Liverpool, with a record of three wins, one draw, and one defeat from their opening five matches of the season.
Arsenal found themselves behind early after a swift City counterattack. Tijjani Reijnders led a breakaway through the middle, teeing up Erling Haaland to finish from close range. The Gunners struggled to create chances in the first half, with City dominating possession.
Mikel Arteta made bold changes at half-time, introducing Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to inject creativity. Eze immediately forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a save with a half-volley, lifting the home crowd’s spirits. At the other end, David Raya produced a crucial stop to deny Haaland from doubling City’s lead.
As seven minutes of stoppage time were signaled, Arsenal still trailed — until one magical move changed everything. Eze spotted Martinelli’s run over the top, and the Brazilian showed composure to dink Donnarumma and secure a vital point for Arsenal.
Here’s how GOAL rated Arsenal’s players after the dramatic Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium:
Goalkeeper & Defence
- David Raya (6/10): Made a smart stop to deny Haaland in the second half but had no chance with the Norwegian’s opener.
- Jurrien Timber (5/10): Struggled to contain Jeremy Doku and was replaced by Martinelli late on as Arsenal chased an equalizer.
- William Saliba (5/10): Tentative on his return from injury; indecisive defending contributed to City’s early goal.
- Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10): Pushed high up the pitch, leaving Saliba exposed for Haaland’s strike.
- Riccardo Calafiori (6/10): One of Arsenal’s most progressive players, combining overlapping and underlapping runs down the left flank.
Midfield
- Martin Zubimendi (6/10): Calm in possession but second-best to Rodri. Substituted for Mosquera in stoppage time.
- Mikel Merino (5/10): Offered little in midfield and was replaced by Eze at the break.
- Declan Rice (5/10): A quiet performance by his high standards, unable to stamp his authority on the game.
Attack
- Noni Madueke (6/10): Arsenal’s brightest performer in a flat first half but sacrificed for Saka at half-time.
- Viktor Gyokeres (3/10): Couldn’t hold the ball up or link play effectively, fluffing rare chances in front of goal.
- Leandro Trossard (5/10): A surprise starter who improved slightly after the break but was withdrawn for Nwaneri late on.
Key Substitutes
- Bukayo Saka: Injected energy and width after coming on at half-time, helping stretch City’s defense.
- Eberechi Eze: Created the equalizer with a perfectly weighted pass to Martinelli and tested Donnarumma with a half-volley earlier.
- Gabriel Martinelli: The hero of the night. Scored a stunning injury-time equalizer to rescue a point for Arsenal.
Match Analysis: Arsenal’s Resilience Shines
While Arsenal were far from their fluent best, their second-half substitutions transformed the match. The introduction of Saka and Eze stretched City’s midfield, while Martinelli’s composure in front of goal epitomized the fighting spirit Arteta demands from his squad.
The Gunners remain five points behind Liverpool, but this comeback could prove crucial for their momentum as the season unfolds.
What This Result Means for Arsenal
A draw at home against the reigning champions might feel like two points dropped, but given how the match played out, Arsenal fans will see it as a valuable point gained. The performance of new signings like Eberechi Eze and the return of Martinelli to form offer hope for the coming fixtures.
With upcoming matches against mid-table sides, Mikel Arteta will be looking to build on this result and close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table.
