Martinelli rescues Arsenal with stoppage-time leveller against Man City

LONDON – Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into injury time to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates, preserving the Gunners’ five-match unbeaten run in the fixture and keeping them three points clear of their title rivals.

City struck early when Erling Haaland combined with Tijjani Reijnders before finishing clinically for his 11th goal in six matches. The visitors defended compactly and frustrated Arsenal for much of the first half, though William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori both went close as Mikel Arteta’s side pushed for a response.

Substitutes Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze injected urgency after the restart, with Leandro Trossard also testing Gianluigi Donnarumma. At the other end, David Raya denied Haaland a second as City briefly threatened on the counter. Pep Guardiola eventually withdrew both Haaland and Phil Foden in an effort to protect the lead, but relentless Arsenal pressure finally paid off.

In the 92nd minute, Eze slid a clever ball through for Martinelli, who dinked over Donnarumma to spark jubilant scenes in north London. While Arsenal extended their cushion over City, Guardiola’s men were left to rue a late lapse that cost them two valuable points in the title race.