Manchester City vs Arsenal 2-2: English Premier League – as it happened

City go top of the league after pulling off an improbable draw at the very last moment.

Spare a thought for Arsenal, who despite being a man down managed to put in a wonderful effort in the second half before Stones’s late intervention.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of this gripping encounter, and until the next time, this is Rohan Sharma signing off for Al Jazeera.

Man City make their second-half pressure pay to secure a point late on 🤝#MCIARS pic.twitter.com/N6EvWrJAAy

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 22, 2024

Welcome to the 100 Club, @ErlingHaaland! 🩵✨ pic.twitter.com/XXyasp94CP

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 22, 2024

John Stones, who scored the match-tying goal in the 98th minute, shared his thoughts with Sky Sports: “Frustrated that you can’t start in these big games. Before the game, I tried to channel it and have a positive attitude if I came on. I tried to be inside the box for more crosses, and one dropped for me. The manager wanted me to play closer to Erling [Haaland] to try to win a few aerial duels.

“Over the years, we have learned to stick together no matter who is playing, and to always be ready. The manager definitely emphasises that. Try to be in the box for all crosses, and I was luckily able to put it into the back of the net.

“It was a difficult afternoon for both teams. How they stop the play, how they slow it down and make it difficult. We had to control our emotions during that time. It was a good battle today. We have to stay calm and I think we did. There were some silly decisions from everyone, but it’s hard to digest it so soon after the final whistle.

“I wouldn’t say Arsenal have mastered the dark arts. They’ve done it for a few years and we know to expect that. You can call it dirty or clever. They break up the game which upsets the rhythm when you’re trying to get momentum. I thought we dealt with it really well.

“For the past few years, we’ve had a rivalry [with Arsenal] that’s been growing, and which we want to always come out on top in, so to sit here with a point is difficult.”

JOHNNNNN STONESSS!!!!!!!

🩵 2-2 🔴 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/z6qIAAvcze

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 22, 2024

After playing out a pulsating draw, City assume their place at the top of the table with 13 points after five games. Arsenal slip down to fourth place with 11 points.

City will next face Newcastle away on September 28, while Arsenal take on Leicester City at the Emirates on the same day.

FULL-TIME | An exciting Etihad draw 🤝

🩵 2-2 🔴 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/56M6pjIhjX

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 22, 2024

Despite weathering 24 shots in the second half and suffering a red card on top, Arsenal fail to keep City out as Stones’s effort in the dying embers of the match ensures points are shared at the Etihad.

In what was undoubtedly the match of the season so far, the Gunners tried everything within their power to hold on despite being a man down after Trossard’s dismissal at the end of the first half.

City may not have won their fifth match on a trot, but will feel like they did after rescuing a draw so late in the game. Kudos should go to Arteta and his men, who put in a fine display overall.

Full time: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal

Stones brings the house down as he just gets City across the line!

After winning a corner on the left side, Grealish feeds Kovacic inside the box.

The Croatian goes for goal, but is blocked. The ball eventually falls to Stones in the box, who is able to force it through despite the congestion in front of him.

He sets off on a run as the Etihad bursts into life to celebrate snatching a draw at the very brink.

90+8 mins: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal are just a few minutes away now as City continue to work the ball patiently outside the box.

90+5 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

Still plenty of time left as the referee books Silva for his role in the last few minutes.

Lewis-Skelly, who is already on a yellow mind you, makes his way onto the pitch in place of the affected Timber.

90+2 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

With regulation time drying up, City are launching everything and the kitchen sink at Arsenal.

The visitors are looking to manage the clock as best with numerous stops in play due to Gabriel and then Timber going down momentarily.

After looking to be OK, Timber is once again on the ground, which is met with huge groans.

The players start to get into it as City are clearly aware of Arsenal’s tactics at the moment.

90 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

The Croatian, who is dangerous in the box, strikes the ball as it comes down off a deflection.

Raya makes a reactive stop with his right hand to keep the low chance out. That was City’s best chance in a while.

Soon after, Arsenal’s Martinelli makes way for Gabriel Jesus.

88 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

With the ball nicely teed up outside the box, the centre back tries his luck again, but sends the ball into the stratosphere.

The away fans let their pleasure be known soon after. City look at a complete loss at the moment in the face of this gritty Arsenal defence.

86 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

The midfielder tries to run the clock as long as possible after a restart in play.

The referee is acutely aware of as he brandishes him with a yellow card.

84 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

City have had 14 shots outside the box this half, with the defenders taking on the lion’s share.

Foden and Haaland have barely had a sniff at the Arsenal end thanks to their resolute defending.

82 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

It is desperate times for City as John Stones and Jack Grealish come on in place of Walker and Savinho, respectively.

Stones partners Kovacic in front of the back three. Arsenal have shifted to a 6-3-0 as they look to survive these last 10 minutes or so.

79 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

Jakub Kiwior rushes on in place of the ailing Calafiori.

The Italian put in a memorable debut shift, which was capped off by the wonderful equaliser he scored in the first half.

Arsenal are just over 15 minutes away from a famous victory. Can they hold on?

74 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

Dias again winds up from outside the box, this time with his right foot, for a low drive towards goal.

The ball catches an Arsenal defender on the way to Raya, who is initially sent the other way, but is able to recover and hold onto the ball after it is slowed down.

Soon after, Calafiori goes to ground due to some discomfort, with Arteta potentially looking to replace him as substitutes are mobilised on the bench.

73 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

Rice provides the service from just right of centre, well outside the box.

The ball falls to Calafiori inside, but he is unable to control the ball as he is quickly dispossessed.

71 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

Phil Foden earns a call-up from the bench on Doku’s behalf.

70 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal

After trying to get through a host of Arsenal players on the edge of the box, just left of centre, the Belgian winger goes down to huge protests from the fans.

The referee waves play on though as City continue to search for a breakthrough with a quarter of the match left to play.

68 mins: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal