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A Thrilling Full Match: City v Arsenal
There's to do about Manchester City and Arsenal as the team battle, energetic and heavy-duty on the field. Right before halftime, the two teams showed a stark difference in momentum as each side traded blows here in this decider clash of the Premier League. Erling Haaland gave City an early lead, making it his 100th goal for the club from only his 105th appearance.
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How Arsenal equalized shockingly
Riccardo Calafiori replied for Arsenal from the center of defence and it was his first start and he marked it with an excellent long-range shot. The goal was dubious when City protested over the quick free-kick unleashed by Thomas Partey that facilitated the formation of the goal. Arsenal won it when, from another set-piece, Gabriel Magalhães headed them forward, reinforcing their status as specialists at dead-ball situations.
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Trossard's Costly Red Card
Just before the half-hour mark, things took another turn. Leandro Trossard had already been cautioned and was dismissed after kicking the ball away from himself after bringing down Bernardo Silva. It was the second yellow card of the season to a player who, like Declan Rice, had fouled an opponent in a Brighton match. Trossard's dismissal left Arsenal with 10 players facing City's relentless attack.
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Arsenal's Defensive Hold-Up
The latter part of the match was played by Arsenal in a completely defensive approach. They remained very deep in their end, still fighting for the narrow lead that they had earned. City remained a constant thorn as it possessed the ball and territorial advantage. However, the Arsenal defense, led by David Raya, proved priceless. Raya produced crucial saves from Haaland and Josko Gvardiol to maintain Arsenal's lead.
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Stones' Heroics at the Last Bit
Just when it seemed Arsenal would run out with the win, City defender John Stones came through to rescue his side. With seconds left in added time, Stones pounced on a rebound from a blocked shot for an equalizer that saved the point for City. The game ended 2-2, but never in fans' minds, for the discussions in post-match would surely be full of fire.
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A Fiery Rivalry
This match gave the rivalry between the two clubs a boost. The tension had been palpable since the very start of the game at least between Kai Havertz and Rodri, who got involved in a scuffle within seconds of kickoff. The control soon changed to City as Haaland did not waste the pinpoint pass from Savinho when he scored his side's opening goal.
Arsenal had headed off out of nowhere in the frustration of City, who first earned a free-kick on the wing in its smart box from Partey. Calafiori finished with great brilliance as City, led by an animated Pep Guardiola on the touchline, rued the defensive lapse.
Arsenal's Defensive Gamble
Arsenal started a purely defensive game with the remaining 10 men. Ben White replaced Bukayo Saka at half-time. At the same time, Arsenal went on with five defenders to close off City's all-marauding attack. One of their strategies became time-wasting as it entered the final stages, disturbing the home crowd. Still, Arsenal lost and the Stones' last-minute equalizer denied them victory.
On the other hand, Arsenal will look at the positive aspect after losing to City who lost their perfect record. The emotions ran high when the final whistle blew as both teams exemplified the fighting spirit in that dramatic affair.
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