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Social media platform X has gone wild with reactions after a 10-man Arsenal side conceded in the 98th minute against Manchester City to draw 2-2. It was a dramatic ending to a rather hard-fought Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on September 22.
The first half saw most of the goals come in, with Erling Haaland opening the scoring for the Cityzens in the ninth minute. The Gunners weren't prepared to lose the game though, and they fought back hard for a comeback, scoring through Riccardo Calafiori in the 22nd minute.
On the cusp of halftime, the Gunners showcased their masterclass in set-pieces as Gabriel scored an impressive close-range header to put them ahead. However, right before the half-time whistle, Leandro Trossard picked up a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. It led to a lot of anger from Gooners online.
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The second half saw the Gunners plan a defensive tactic in a bid to hold onto their 2-1 lead, and for many long minutes, it worked. They held strong with a six-defender formation, keeping only three players ahead of the backline.
City broke through in the end, though, with John Stones scoring in the eighth minute of injury time, to the Gunners' dismay. The dying minute equalizer saw fans take to social media to react with posts like these:
"10 man Arsenal win a point against 12 man Manchester City." one fan said.
"David Raya to Manchester City players... he's a world-class GK ngl." a fan praised the Gunners' goalkeeper.
"So, so, so fucking proud of this Arsenal team. Manchester City and the Premier League, I hope you crumble." another fan added.
"NO VICTORY FOR ARSENAL DUE TO A 98TH MINUTE EQUALIZER, THEY BOTTLED IT AGAIN!" a fan remarked.
"Arsenal in the 2nd half," a fan mocked the Gunners' deep defensive lines.
"No matter what," a Gunners fan proclaimed love for his club.
"This is the nastiest football we’ve seen and it’s so beautiful. Arsenál are out here DEFENDING." a fan was pleased.
"City celebrating a 2-2 draw VS a ten man Arsenal tells you all you need to know," another added.
"TODAY, MANCHESTER CITY SURVIVED ARTETA TERRORISM." a Manchester City fan said.
Mikel Arteta comments on Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Manchester City
It must have been difficult for Mikel Arteta to watch as the Gunners fought hard for their win, but eventually conceded so late in the game.
He spoke about the match in his press conference afterwards, revealing how proud he was of his players. He said (via Football London):
"We had a very difficult start. We struggled to control certain spaces we didn’t have enough ability. We adapted to that context in that best possible way. I’m so proud of them. You cannot be given a more difficult situation against that opponent and I’m so proud of my team."
On the Premier League table, the Cityzens have retained their spot at the top, with the Gunners sitting in fourth, two points behind City. They are just one point ahead of Chelsea, who are in fifth.
