This past weekend saw a gripping encounter between Manchester City and Arsenal in Match Week 5 of the Premier League, ending in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad. Both teams displayed high intensity throughout the match, with Arsenal down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half after Leandro Trossard’s red card for delaying the restart second yellow in the 45th+8′ minute. Despite City’s dominance, Arsenal put up a resilient defensive display to secure a point after almost securing the 3 points until the last play of the game.

Key Stats Breakdown

Manchester City: Dominated the stats sheet with 33 shots, 11 of them on target, leading to 2 goals. Their expected goals (xG) totaled 2.6, and their 75% possession emphasized their control over the game after the red card. City made 35 successful dribbles and completed 47 progressive runs, peppering Arsenal’s defense with shots from all areas of the pitch but couldn’t penetrate the 5-4-0 block that Arsenal used in the 2nd half.

Arsenal: Managed just 4 shots, with 2 on target and an xG of 0.6. However, their compact defending, even with 10 men, was remarkable. Arsenal absorbed immense pressure but when they were in full control after the Haaland goal until the red card. We all thought it was going to be a dull match between two juggernauts and then it opened up for 45 minutes. Too bad the referee decided to become the spotlight for a questionable second yellow for Leandro Trossard.

Match Momentum

From the outset, Manchester City imposed their dominance, as shown in the match momentum graph. City controlled possession, continuously pushing into Arsenal’s half for first phase of the match. Their relentless attack culminated in Erling Haaland’s opener in the 8th minute from a perfect Savinho assist. However, Arsenal managed to respond quickly, Ricardo Calafiori scoring a curling beauty past Ederson in the 21st minute. And from that moment on it was two titans taking jabs at each other until Saka delivered a perfect back post corner to Gabriel Magalhães to level the match just before half-time.

And then the game got flipped on its head right before the break. We won’t get into here but what an awful decision killing the best match of the season so far.

The second half followed a similar pattern throughout. Manchester City’s relentless waves of attack were repelled by a gritty Arsenal defense and David Raya who has been Arsenal’s best player throughout the first phase of the season. Arsenal thought they were almost there and then a John Stones open tap in in the dying embers tied the match for City.

But I have to say, what an effort for the Arsenal players, absolutely shut down City and if it weren’t for an unlucky bounce, they would’ve gone back to London with the three points.

Shots Taken & Shots on Target

Manchester City peppered Arsenal’s goal throughout, as highlighted by the shot maps. Their 33 total shots show a relentless pursuit for goals, with 21 shots off target and 13 blocked by Arsenal’s defenders. City’s shot map reveals a high number of chances created inside Arsenal’s box, with Haaland leading the attack. Despite this barrage of attempts, only two managed to beat Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

On the other hand, Arsenal’s shot map shows a far more reserved offensive approach with only having shots before the sending-off. Despite the low shot volume, Arsenal made the most of their limited chances, converting 2 of their 4 shots into goals, thanks to Gabriel Magalhães and Ricardo Calafiori.

Possession Tactics and Passing Maps

Manchester City’s passing map illustrates their patient buildup play, with Ruben Dias/Akanji dictating from deep midfield and Bernardo Silva and ?lkay Gündo?an pulling the strings in more advanced positions. City’s heavy reliance on their wingers, Savinho and Jérémy Doku, stretched Arsenal’s backline, but the Gunners’ defense was compact, especially after going down to 10 men. The only issue for Savinho and Doku was that Timber and Calafiori were on another level for Arsenal.

Arsenal’s passing map reveals a stark contrast in approach, particularly after Trossard’s red card. They sat deeper, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey protecting the defense, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães were key in recycling possession. Despite being under siege, they were able to stop City’s constant attacks.

While Manchester City’s dominance on the ball and in the stats was clear, Arsenal’s resolve and tactical discipline earned them a well-deserved point. Trossard’s red card shifted the dynamic, but City’s inability to convert their vast possession and chances into a decisive victory will surely feel like the tide is starting to turn in England. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with his team’s fighting spirit and efficiency in front of goal, even if they were under attack most of the match.