Arsenal

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained after the match why he made a double substitution at half-time, saying Bukayo Saka was sent on because of an injury to Noni Madueke, while Eberechi Eze for Mikel Merino was a tactical change.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was necessary, the one with Noni because of an injury, and for Ebs too because of the way they started to play and behave and where we could find the spaces. We believed that he could be the player to make the difference for us. Again, very happy with the finishers."

On finding the right balance in the team and giving his whole squad chances to play: "At top clubs all the managers have this. Today we did not have Odegaard, Saka was just back, no [Gabriel] Jesus, no [Kai] Havvertz, so a lot of players, but it was still hard.

"We are going to need everybody. Today, again, we see the players that did not start in Bilbao how well they did - [William] Saliba and [Leandro] Trossard, both of them were very good. So many games, we are going to need everybody."

Mikel Arteta had no choice but to throw on more attacking players in the second half as his Arsenal side chased an equaliser at home to Manchester City.

But did the Gunners boss start too cautiously?

The Spaniard began the game with three defensively-minded central midfielders in Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.

Arsenal's starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard

Eberichi Eze replaced Merino at the start of the second half in a double substitution that also saw Noni Madueke make way for Bukayo Saka on his return from injury.

With 10 minutes remaining, Arteta sacrificed right-back Jurrien Timber for eventual goalscorer Gabriel Martinelli, while Leandro Trossard was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri four minutes later.

In the eighth minute of stoppage time, Arteta reverted to four defenders, replacing Zubimendi with Christian Mosquera.

Arsenal's finishing XI: Raya; Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera, Calafiori; Martinelli, Rice, Eze, Nwaneri, Saka; Gyokeres

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Jay Bothroyd
Former Premier League striker on BBC 5 Live Breakfast

You sign players like [Eberechi] Eze so we can come and lay it up. He's got fantastic ability, he can dribble, he's a ball carrier, he's strong, we can see his quality, so I think everyone was disappointed to see that [he didn't start].

But also the midfield, Declan Rice is a fantastic player - he's our leader but really with [Martin] Zubimendi and [Mikel] Merino you've got three number 6's - you want to see the attacking players on there. Our bench was better than our starting eleven.

I feel like he needs to be more attacking. If Arsenal are going to win the league this year, it has to be because Arsenal are on the front foot going to beat teams.

I feel like with big teams, Arteta goes out with the mindset of not to lose and I feel like that's a negative.

The question is, did Mikel Arteta get his initial team selection wrong?

With captain and playmaker Martin Odegaard out injured, should the Arsenal boss have started with Eberchi Eze, rather than Mikel Merino, who Eze replaced at half-time.

Should Arteta have started with the more creative Eze in midfield?

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard changed the game when they were introduced as second-half substitutes in Arsenal's midweek Champions League win over Athletic Club in Bilbao.

Trossard was given the nod to start against Manchester City, with Martinelli only introduced 10 minutes from time.

Was Arteta right to hold Martinelli back, given that the Brazil winger went on to score his second in as many games coming off the bench?

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Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports

For me, I can't get away from the fact that Arsenal still don't look like they are going to score a goal from open play.

That is a worry for me at Arsenal. It still looks like that.

Contrast that low possession percentage of Manchester City's to Arsenal's.

The Gunners had 67% possession while also boasting 12 shots to the five of City.

However, while Mikel Arteta's side may have dominated much of the ball - it didn't equate to dominating on the clear-cut opportunities front.

Arsenal only managed three shots on target from their 12 and actually finished the game with a lower xG than City (0.9).

The Gunners struggled to break down Pep Guardiola's men and would have slumped to their second defeat of the season but for an outstanding finish from Gabriel Martinelli.

May be a touch on the harsh side from Josh but at the same time it's a fair point with regard to over-celebrating.

Does this Arsenal side under Mikel Arteta have the mentality of a side that is going to win titles?

The decision to play more defensive line-ups against the "bigger" sides - is that sending the right message?

They certainly have a positive record against teams in the top six - so are people maybe being a tad too harsh on Mikel Arteta and his side?

It's a very interesting subject and we would love to hear your thoughts.

Click 'Get Involved' at the top of the page to have your say.

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Manchester City had 32.8% possession in Sunday's draw against Arsenal.

That is the lowest figure any Pep Guardiola team have ever recorded in a top-flight match.

The two lowest have both been in games away to Arsenal in the Premier League (32.8% on Sunday and 36.5% in March 2023).

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after Manchester City's draw against Arsenal: "Disappointed with the result, yes, but last season we equalised in the last moment at the Etihad and they equalise here. It's football. It's 97 or 98 minutes.

"We were incredibly strong. It has been a really tough week for us with tough opponents and then Thursday to Sunday and travel to London, it is demanding. And the opponent is really good, so the result is fair."

On how he feels the team is doing five games in: "Still trying to grow. Many new players, including an important position with the keeper. Many players are injured.

"This is a young, young team, the youngest team we have had and will be for the future. Step by step we see what happens. It is a long journey, so we take it game by game."

Chris Sutton
Former Premier League striker on BBC Radio 5 Live 606

It may not feel like it now, but is that a point that could win Arsenal the title this season? I think they are going to run Liverpool very close this year. That could be a big point.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football reporter

Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time equaliser showed why it is too early to write his Arsenal career off just yet.

The Brazil winger has had an excellent week, scoring and assisting in Arsenal's win over Athletic Club in the Champions League before earning the Gunners a valuable draw against Manchester City.

The winger has lost his starting place - starting two of Arsenal's six game this season - after a difficult time in his career but has shown just how important he can be when he is at his best.

Martinelli is one of the quickest players in the Premier League and both his goals this week played to his strengths, with the ball is played behind the opposition defence for him to run on to.

"I work for those moments. I leave [selection] for the gaffer, he knows what he does. I just do my best to help this football club," said Martinelli.

"Of course, I don't want to be on the bench. I want to play 90 minutes every single game but [Mikel] Arteta knows what he does, he's the gaffer and everyone trusts him."

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