(Credit: Getty, Imago)

Edward Bazeley

Mon 22 September 2025 7:15, UK

Arsenal failed to turn their possession into a win as they rescued a late draw against fellow Premier League giants Manchester City on Sunday.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Man City on 21 September, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser.

The result leaves the Gunners five points adrift of defending Premier League champions Liverpool, who are already in a commanding position to retain their title.

Meanwhile, Noni Madueke suffered an injury in the clash between Mikel Arteta’s men and Pep Guardiola’s side at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta criticised for Eberechi Eze selection call vs Man City

Arteta did not select summer signing Eberechi Eze in his starting lineup on 21 September, which meant that Arsenal lacked creativity throughout the first half.

The 27-year-old went on to produce the assist for Martinelli’s 93rd minute equaliser with a well crafted pass over the top, having been introduced as a half-time substitute.

Discussing Arsenal’s performance on BBC One’s Match of the Day [21 September], Theo Walcott said: “For me it was a completely lacklustre game for Arsenal, from the first-half particularly.

“It really was. It was not the Arsenal we’re used to, it was really a bit of a surprise, the lineup as well. I think it surprised a few people.

“You have all these options and attacking threat, and you don’t utilise it.”

Host Mark Chapman asked Walcott: “When you say the lineup surprises you, are you talking about that midfield balance, are you talking about Eze being on the bench?”

The former Arsenal and England star replied: “When you sign a player like Eze, the game-changers really, whatever you want to call these guys, fans want to see these players play.

“In the big games they want people to actually be able to take risks. I feel like in these games, if you want to get results, you have to be able to take those risks and in this moment of time Arsenal aren’t doing that.”

“I was just disappointed in Eze’s part, not to actually play in the starting lineup.”

Arsenal have a huge point to prove after results vs Liverpool and Man City

In the summer transfer window, Arsenal signed attacking talents like Viktor Gyokreres and Eze, suggesting that they were ready to launch a serious title bid.

Furthermore, Arteta’s other summer signings, such as Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera, have already made a positive impact at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal lost 1-0 to Liverpool last month, before also dropping points against Man City on 21 September, suggesting that they are still not capable of getting themselves over the line in the most vital games of the campaign.

The Gunners must now ensure that they manage to earn an away victory over Newcastle United in their next Premier League game on Sunday, 28 September.

Meanwhile, the fact that Arteta’s men are already five points behind Liverpool in the top-flight title race suggests that competitions like the EFL Cup and perhaps even the Champions League have become more realistic routes to obtaining silverware.