Arsenal and Manchester City duked it out at the Emirates Stadium as neither team were keen on giving up 3 points.
Danny Welbeck debuted for “The Gunners” and played well. He started up top as Alexis Sanchez was moved to a wider role. Welbeck was the first in the game to create a chance, but his confident chip over Joe Hart hit the post and ricocheted back into the arms of Hart.
Sergio Aguero opened up the scoring as sloppy defending by Flamini and the back four allowed him to knock-in Jesus Navas’s low cross in the 28th minute.
Both teams kept attacking and Manchester City was allowed to take chances and control of the ball by loose defending, but Arsenal equalized the match in the 64th minute with an impressive play and chip by Jack Wilshire.
Both teams were desperate to walk away winners as chances were created at both ends and surely, nails were bitten to their bases as spectators booed and cheered.
Arsenals season seemed to start well early as new signing Alexis Sanchez gave them the lead with a spectacular volley into the far right corner of Harts goal in the 74th minute.
But City were not done yet. In the 83rd minute, Martin Demichelis broke the hearts of the fans in attendance as his header found the right corner of Szczeny’s goal.
Arsenal did not play as well as they would have liked. Flamini started over Mikel Arteta, but his prescence was not cent throughout the match. Arteta only played the extra-time of the match and was not allowed to make an impression on the game. Mesut Ozil’s performance was boring to say the least for a World Cup Winner. An abundance of missed passes and sloppy footwork was, surprisingly enough to keep him in the match. Aaron Ramsey did not seem as enthusiastic as he ussually is, but more fatigued. If Arsenal are to compete in the Champions League and Premier League, their fitness level and confidence must stay high. Jack Wilshire played very well and linked up well with Sanchez and Welbeck.
City are as strong as ever. Former gunner, Bacary Sagna, sat the bench when he could have very well been playing with Arsenal. Frank Lampard made his debut, but he did not make a strong impact on the game. City’s attack is strong and fast while their defense very well above par. Brazilian, Fernando, had a great game as he stood strong against Arsenals attack and also was able to create chances. City are still front runners along with Chelsea. Any team will be lucky to take a point from them and Arsenal should be happy with the result as it could have been much worse.
Photo Credit: Sang Tan/AP