Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Score, Grades and Reaction from Premier League Game

Manchester City showed the heart of champions by fighting back late in the game to earn a 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Saturday.

The Gunners started like an express train but looked set to pay a heavy price for failing to take their chances when Sergio Aguero fired City ahead.

But Arsenal shook off the setback and second-half goals from Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez had them dreaming of three points, but Martin Demichelis’ late header earned City a point.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Arsenal made a blistering start to the contest, with City’s midfield—shorn of the services of the absent Yaya Toure—unable to get any sort of grip on the contest.

Wilshere drove towards the area and appeared to be tripped on the edge of the box, but referee Mark Clattenburg waved away his protests.

Joe Hart is under pressure, with Willy Caballero breathing down his neck, but he twice came to his side’s aid in the opening 12 minutes.

First he showed good handling to gather a dipping shot from Sanchez, and he then flew off his line to gather a cross from Wilshere that looked destined to find the unmarked Alexis.

The first sign of City as an attacking force came on 10 minutes when Aguero glided past defenders and into the box, but he was unable to get any purchase on his cross.

Danny Welbeck, Arsenal’s £16 million deadline-day signing, had a huge chance to mark his debut with a goal. He latched onto a loose ball and went for a deft chip over Hart. It looked good, until it hit the post and bounced back to the keeper.

"

I like Danny Welbeck but that was a bad miss. Had to score.

— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) September 13, 2014"

Arsenal continued to dominate but failed to take their chances and were made to pay a heavy price on 28 minutes as City moved ahead.

Welbeck aspires to be a top-class finisher, Aguero already is one and he proved the point in some style.

Jesus Navas was the architect as he burst down the right and delivered a lovely low cross into the path of Aguero who clipped the ball beyond Wojciech Szczesny.

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Sergio Aguero in the Premier League the season: 153 minutes 6 shots 3 goals Absolutely clinical. pic.twitter.com/Q1X0LwKDmY

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 13, 2014"

The momentum shift was huge as City came close to putting the game out of sight before the break, but Szczesny made close-range saves to deny Aguero and David Silva.

As in the first half, Arsenal were sharp out of the blocks at the start of the second period and a flowing move involving Wilshere and Alexis crafted a chance for Welbeck, but Navas got back to nick the ball off the striker’s toe.

But unlike the first half, Arsenal’s period of dominance did not last long as City took control of the middle of the park—with Fernandinho and James Milner giants at the heart of the team.

"

MATCH SHOT: James Milner challenges Arsenal's Mathieu Debuchy. #arsenalvcity pic.twitter.com/bcz3NM5AKi

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 13, 2014"

Arsenal were in dire need of inspiration; it arrived on 63 minutes through Wilshere. Driving from deep, Wilshere collected a pass from Aaron Ramsey before gliding past Gael Clichy and delivering a sumptuous clipped finish over Hart.

"

Jack Wilshere since half time: 1 goal 1 shot 1 assist 3 take-ons completed 82% pass accuracy. Man possessed. #AFC pic.twitter.com/guXY4xfCLQ

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 13, 2014"

While Welbeck was Arsenal’s deadline-day signing, Alexis was their key summer signing. He paid back another chunk of his transfer fee with a brilliant goal on 74 minutes.

City failed to clear their lines and when the ball was headed back into the box, Alexis executed a brilliant volley with his right foot from 12 yards into the top corner.

The Chilean picked up a caution for taking his shirt off in celebration, but if ever a goal was worth celebrating it was that one.

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What a hit... and what a shift! Check out hard-working @Alexis_Sanchez's heatmap from #AFCvMCFC pic.twitter.com/WSOH9fz9pO

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 13, 2014"

Arsenal's hopes of picking up the three points were dashed seven minutes from time as Demichelis rose unchallenged at a corner to head the ball home.

City twice had chances to win the game in a breathless end, as Aleksandar Kolarov and Edin Dzeko both hit a post and Samir Nasri had a goal chalked off for offside, while the gloss was taken off a brilliant game by what appeared to be a serious injury to Mathieu Debuchy, who went down under no challenge and left the field on a stretcher.

The focus for both sides now shifts to the Champions League. City boss Manuel Pellegrini showed his hand by substituting Aguero with 23 minutes left on the clock. If they are to get anything in Germany, Aguero will be key.

The performance means Arsenal are firmly in the title mix, but they too will shift focus to Germany for a Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund.

Grades

Mesut Ozil: F

Is there a more frustrating player in the game? The German is as talented as any player in world football, but he so often fails to produce. It was another case of Ozil flattering to deceive.

Danny Welbeck: C

The striker came within inches of marking his debut with a goal. If the ball had dropped in the corner instead of hitting the post, Welbeck would have been hailed a hero and a wonderful finisher. Instead, he passed up what was a massive chance.

Sergio Aguero: B+

Welbeck could do worse than get a few DVDs of Aguero and watch how a master finisher operates. He was a threat every time he had the ball at his feet, his movement was sensational and, crucially, he took his chance.

Fernandinho: A

He might not set the pulse racing like some players, but he’s certainly effective. Time and again he would break up play and it was testament to his display that City did not overly miss Yaya Toure.

Post-Match Reaction

"

Pellegrini #mcfc fuming at Clattenburg. “Two clear fouls” in lead-up to #afc goals. Subbed Aguero because thought ref would send him off

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) September 13, 2014"

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Wenger: "Both manager's were frustrated at times and City stopped us a lot on the break in the first half" #AFCvMCFC

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 13, 2014"