Arsenal scored 10 minutes from time to secure a point in a pulsating 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners dominated the opening half of football, but could not take their chances during a poor spell for Roberto Mancini's side.
City took the lead against the run of play with a Joleon Lescott header before the break. Meanwhile, they did enjoy the better of it in the second period.
Arsenal secured a point late on, however, when Laurent Koscielny drilled a fine effort into the top corner.
With that in mind, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
Manchester City:
Shots 14
On target 10
Possession 48%
Corners 9
Fouls 11
Arsenal:
Shots 10
On target 4
Possession 52%
Corners 4
Fouls 7
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, you would have to say yes. Arsenal dominated the opening period and were unlucky to enter break behind. City undoubtedly improved in the second period, but there was still something lacking in their play. Mancini lined his side up in a 4-4-2 formation in the opening half, but Arsenal nullified that style to good effect.
City's performance
5/10. City are still yet to really fire this season. They were poor in the first half and were clearly not happy with the formation they were being asked to play. Yaya Toure remained a force in midfield, but there just was not enough from David Silva – who still looks tired – and Scott Sinclair. They will improve as the season draws on. They have to.
Arsenal's performance
7/10. It was a really impressive afternoon for the Gunners. They were not overawed in the opening half and had two or three clear chances to take the lead. They appeared to tire early in the second, but they rallied well to secure an equaliser in the latter stages. It's a toughness we have not seen from the club in recent seasons.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Per Mertesacker: The big German has had his critics, but he was just wonderful this afternoon. He made interception after interception and was a tower of strength in the air.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Gervinho's finishing: The Ivorian is as honest as you like, but unfortunately his finishing is not his strongest attribute. He had two, maybe three clear chances to hand Arsenal a goal, but he fluffed his lines on each occasion.
Referee performance
Mike Dean had a fairly straightforward 90 minutes at the Etihad. He allowed the play to flow in the correct areas, while he kept up well with the end-to-end attacks.
What next?
City: City face Aston Villa in the League Cup on Tuesday before travelling to Fulham in the Premier League next Saturday.
Arsenal: The Gunners face Coventry City in the League Cup on Wednesday before facing Chelsea at the Emirates next Saturday.
Matt Law
