Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal: Gunners Player Ratings as defending champions salvage late draw | Premier League 2024-25

John Stones' late effort undid a terrific defensive performance from Arsenal as they played out a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22.

Heading into the game, Manchester City had to deal with the absence of star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered an injury midweek. Phil Foden was also on the bench as Jeremy Doku and Savinho partnered Erling Haaland in attack.

Arsenal, meanwhile, had Riccardo Calafiori making his first start for the side while Declan Rice and Thomas Partey started in midfield.

It was a brilliant start for the hosts as they took the lead in the ninth minute. Savinho found Haaland with a good through ball and the Norwegian finished comfortably to make it 1-0.

However, the visitors roared back strongly. They initially equalised with a sensational effort from Calafiori after the Gunners took a free kick quickly in the 22nd minute.

Then, late in the first half, Arsenal took the lead as they showed their prowess from set-pieces again, with Gabriel finding the back of the net from a corner.

There was drama late in the first period as Leandro Trossard received his marching orders. The Belgian was already on a yellow and seemed to kick the ball away after the whistle following a collision with Bernardo Silva, resulting in a red card.

The second half saw Mikel Arteta's men defend with great resolve as Manchester City struggled to unlock them. However, in the 98th minute, substitute John Stones poked home after Mateo Kovacic's initial effort was parried, taking away two crucial points from the Gunners.

Despite the late goal, it was a remarkable performance from Arsenal who held on with 10 men against the defending champions. The result sees them climb to fourth in the table while City remain on top. Here are the player ratings:

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya - 8.5/10

Yet another sensational performance from the Spaniard who has proven his worth multiple times this season. He made nine saves in all and exhibited great control with balls delivered into the box, proving to be invaluable to Arsenal.

Jurrien Timber - 7/10

A strong defensive performance as he completely shut down any threat from the left from both Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish later on. However, he offered nothing with the ball, not completing a single pass the whole game.

William Saliba - 8/10

Saliba's partnership with Gabriel continues to frustrate Haaland. While the forward did find the back of the net, he had a difficult time overall as the Frenchman dealt with him very well.

Gabriel - 8/10

He was out of position for City's first goal but made amends for it with his own effort, continuing to show Arsenal's threat from set-pieces.

Riccardo Calafiori - 8/10

He impressed in his first start, defending well while also scoring with an absolute screamer.

Declan Rice - 6.5/10

Solid in midfield off the ball, doing well to shield the back four.

Thomas Partey - 6.5/10

Similar to his midfield partner, he took on a more defensive role with the sending-off and had a decent outing overall.

Bukayo Saka - 6.5/10

The sending-off may be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal fans as Saka received some well-needed rest for the second period. His sweet delivery from the corner gave the side the lead, meaning he now has one goal and five assists this season in the league.

Kai Havertz - 6/10

Similar to Timber, he did not complete a pass the whole game but showed some energy off the ball.

Leandro Trossard - 5/10

While the situation surrounding his second yellow may be in question, he eventually put his side in a very difficult position for the entirety of the second half. He did not do much during his 45-minute stint either.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10

Another mostly silent outing for the Brazilian except for breaking his streak of seven games without a goal contribution, notching an assist for Calafiori's goal.

Substitutes

Ben White - 7/10

Came in for Saka for the second period as Arteta switched things around for a more defensive approach and defended well.

Jakub Kiwior - 6.5/10

Came on for the last 15 minutes and was decent, but an unlucky deflection off him eventually resulted in the equaliser.

Gabriel Jesus and Myles Lewis-Skelly - N/A

The pair came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.