EPL: Manchester City held to 2-2 draw by 10-man Arsenal

Manchester City dropped points in the English Premier League for the first time this season on Sunday, drawing 2-2 with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The hosts took the lead in the opening nine minutes through Erling Haaland, who notched his 100th goal in his 105th appearance for Man City.

However, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori levelled things 13 minutes later with a sublime goal on his full debut, and the visitors took a surprise lead at the tail end of the first half through Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Gunners were, however, reduced to 10 men after Belgian forward Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second bookable offence late in the first half.

Despite having the numerical advantage, Pep Guardiola’s men struggled to break Arsenal’s solid defensive line until deep into injury time, when substitute John Stones equalised for the Citizens.

Guardiola praised his side and commended Arsenal for their discipline after going one man down.

“We started well, scored a fantastic goal and then conceded,” the Man City manager said.

“We know that Arsenal are really quick with Martinelli and Saka. Calafiori makes an exceptional goal.

“Second goal we didn’t defend well. Give credit to them.

“It happens to all the clubs, not just City. They block a lot of players. Always they block. Gabriel is so strong in that position.

“It happens every game and they are able to do it. After, 10 against 11 is different.

“They defend so deep, and we can cross but it’s not easy with White, Gabriel, Saliba. They defend really good.”

Despite dropping two points at home, the reigning champions remain top of the league on 13 points — one ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, who are level on 12 points.

Still unbeaten, Arsenal sit in fourth with 11 points.

Man City will be on the road next Saturday, with online bookmakers paying -153.85 for the visitors to beat Newcastle United (+393) at St James’ Park.

Meanwhile, the top soccer betting sites are paying -526.32 for Arsenal to beat Leicester City (+1350) next Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

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