Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber set forgettable record during Arsenal draw with Manchester City

Manchester City scored in the final seconds to secure a point against a 10-man Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday (September 22). The Gunners received plaudits for their defensive performance in the 2-2 draw but it meant that both Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber set an unwanted Premier League record.

It was Manchester City who started on the front foot. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Savinho outpaced Riccardo Calafiori to set up the Norwegian, who scored his 100th goal in City colors.

However, Arsenal gradually worked their way back into the game as Calafiori redeemed himself with a stunning strike from outside the box (22'). Meanwhile, Gabriel’s goal from a set piece gave Arsenal the lead (45+1'). Just as the referee was about to blow for halftime, Leandro Trossard was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, shifting the game’s momentum.

In the second half, Arsenal displayed a resilient defensive effort but lost focus in the final moments, allowing City substitute John Stones to level the proceedings (90+8'). The Etihad Stadium erupted as the ball hit the net, leaving Arsenal players in disbelief.

Both Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber worked tirelessly and fulfilled their defensive duties in the second half, but neither completed a single pass, setting a Premier League record. Havertz completed zero out of five passes while Timber missed all six of his attempts despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Statistics from Opta suggested that this was the first time since the 2003-04 season that outfield players had played over 89 minutes in a Premier League match without completing a pass.

While this is undeniably disappointing, manager Mikel Arteta would likely be pleased with the work rate of both players, who helped disrupt Manchester City’s attacking wave, particularly in the second half.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addresses red card controversy in Manchester City clash

Michael Oliver made headlines for his decision to send off Leandro Trossard just before halftime. Arsenal fans and the team would have felt frustrated by the call as it marked the second time in three games that a similar incident led to a red card.

Declan Rice was the first to be sent off last month (August 31) after receiving a second yellow card for kicking the ball away in a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. On September 22, it was Trossard, although there is debate over whether the Belgian even heard the referee’s whistle before kicking the ball.

Mikel Arteta was unhappy with the decision but chose not to comment, saying his team had been on the wrong side of such calls multiple times in the past.

"I prefer not to comment. I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s that obvious that it’s not necessary to comment on it. I’m expecting 100 games to be nine vs 10 this season if that’s the case," Arteta said (via Football London).

The Gunners will quickly shift their focus to facing Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup on Wednesday (September 25), followed by a home match in the league against Leicester City on Saturday (September 28).