The poster had allure. It opposed the two most beautiful teams of the most competitive championship in the world. We expected calculation and a cerebral opposition between the master Guardiola and his pupil Arteta, we were treated to a match so british full of charm and twists.
A match that City started and finished well, if not won. The Haaland machine made the Etihad roar on his first shot, in depth, after a great opening from Savinho (1-0, 5th). And if Guardiola’s gang could have flown away – shot on the post by Gündogan (15th) -, the Gunners, still alive, found the resources to revolt.
City didn’t give up
Having arrived this summer, the Italian Calafiori put on a show by unleashing a wonderful curling effort to equalise (1-1, 22nd). Better still, Arsenal went back in front just before half-time thanks to a corner kick converted by Gabriel (1-2, 45th+1). But the setting of the match changed completely just before the return from the locker room, when Trossard left his teammates with ten men for the entire half.
From then on, a new balance of power began. An attack-defense in favor of the local steamroller. With waves, again and again. Arsenal bent, resisted, wavered, before finally cracking. After many Mancunian assaults and Raya’s miracles in goal, the Gunners conceded the equalizer on the gong, Stones liberating the Etihad to offer a very precious point to City. A small point that will perhaps make the difference, on the finish line, in this long and exciting marathon that is the English championship. Thank you, artists.
