Manchester City survive Arsenal scare to draw 2-2
Manchester City's centre-back and defensive midfielder John Stones(5) celebrates scoring equaliser deep in stoppage time against Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. Photo/Man City via X
The Premier League delivered high-stakes action over the weekend as Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest played out a chaotic 2-2 draw, while Manchester City and Arsenal settled for a thrilling 2-2 tie at the Etihad Stadium.
Both matches showcased intense football, red card drama, and decisive goals, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Brighton and Nottingham Forest preserved their unbeaten starts to the Premier League season in a dramatic 2-2 draw that featured three red cards in quick succession.
Chris Wood opened the scoring for Forest in the 12th minute with a coolly taken penalty after Brighton’s Carlos Baleba fouled Callum Hudson-Odoi in the box.
Brighton responded strongly, levelling just before halftime through Jack Hinshelwood’s precise header from a Jan Paul van Hecke cross.
Danny Welbeck then gave the Seagulls the lead on the stroke of halftime with a perfectly placed free-kick, leaving Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels rooted to the spot.
Forest, determined to stay in the contest, found an equaliser in the 70th minute when substitute Ramon Sosa slotted home from close range after being set up by Jota Silva.
The match took a wild turn in the final stages as Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off for a reckless tackle on Brighton’s Joao Pedro, sparking heated touchline confrontations.
Both managers, Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo, were shown red cards for their part in the ensuing chaos. The draw keeps Brighton in seventh place, with Forest trailing just behind in eighth.
Meanwhile, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City and Arsenal produced a pulsating 2-2 draw, with City substitute John Stones salvaging a point deep into stoppage time.
The result sees City maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table, while Arsenal, reduced to 10 men, will feel hard done by after missing out on a potential victory.
City’s talisman Erling Haaland netted his 100th goal for the club early on, scoring in the 9th minute after a clever pass from Savinho.
Arsenal quickly responded with a stunning equaliser from Riccardo Calafiori, who curled in a brilliant left-footed shot just minutes after a concerning injury to City’s Rodri.
Gabriel Magalhaes then put Arsenal ahead just before halftime, heading home Bukayo Saka’s corner.
However, the Gunners’ momentum was disrupted when Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, leaving Arsenal to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Arsenal defended resolutely, with goalkeeper David Raya making crucial saves. But City’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 98th minute when a deflected Mateo Kovacic shot fell to Stones, who fired home from close range to secure a last-gasp draw.
Both matches highlighted the fierce competition at the top end of the Premier League table. Brighton and Forest remain undefeated, showcasing their resilience, while City and Arsenal’s title race remains wide open after a dramatic showdown.
Brighton will head into their next fixture against Chelsea looking to extend their unbeaten run, while Nottingham Forest prepares for a challenging home game against Fulham without their suspended head coach.
Arsenal will rue their missed opportunity as City strengthens its position at the summit of the Premier League.
