Manchester City fought to earn a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday thanks to a late strike from John Stones.
Pep Guardiola’s side battled against 10-man Arsenal to rescue a late draw when it seemed that the Gunners would leave with three points. A 98th minute strike from Stones – who came on in place of Kyle Walker – gave the hosts a lifeline as they searched for a way back into the game.
City’s equaliser saw them leave the fixture with a valued point, keeping them ahead of the Gunners in the league.
Here’s City’s best players from the 2-2 draw, courtesy of90min’s esteemed player ratings.
Manchester City’s best player vs Arsenal
Savinho: 7/10
Savinho was pivotal in City’s attacking play, giving Arsenal’s new boy Riccardo Calafiori a testing opening 20 minutes. His fast feet and trickery dumbfounded the Italian defender, leading Savinho to play a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Erling Haaland, putting City ahead.
Donning the number 26, running at defenders with a slalom-like attack and cutting in on a deadly left foot – he’s beginning to look like a certain Riyad Mahrez.
Honourable mention
Josko Gvardiol: 7/10
The Croatian defender put in a solid display from the left-back spot. Alongside his typical calm nature at the back, Gvardiol added an attacking potency to his game against the Gunners.
While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his attacking forays provided City with an alternative option going forward. He forced a smart save from David Raya, striking a strong volley towards goal, nearly giving City their much needed breakthrough.
City’s big-money signing at the back has proven once again that he has the minerals for vital fixtures.
Ruben Dias – 4/10
Ruben Dias’ positioning was the key reason that City found it impossible to break through Arsenal’s backline for so long.
Whenever he found himself on the ball, play slowed down. Whenever he took it upon himself to initiate City’s movements, any momentum died with him.
If Phil Foden, for example, would’ve been in his place this would not have been an issue. But, for Dias, his positioning, awareness and overall lack of ability to push on in advanced play saw him have a bad afternoon in Manchester.
