Martinelli’s Late Strike Rescues Arsenal as Villa’s Struggles Continue

Arsenal rescued their Premier League title hopes with a dramatic late equaliser, as Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 93rd minute to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates.

The Gunners were on the brink of a damaging defeat after Erling Haaland’s early counter-attacking goal put City in front.

But Martinelli, fresh off the bench, found the net for the second time in a week to keep Mikel Arteta’s side in contention.

Despite the point, both clubs slipped further behind league leaders Liverpool. Arsenal moved up to second, five points off the top, while City dropped to ninth, eight points adrift.

City’s opener for showcased Haaland’s brilliance as he launched the move deep in his own half before finishing calmly past David Raya.

The Norwegian has already scored 13 goals for club and country this season.

At the other end, Arsenal were repeatedly denied by new City signing Gianluigi Donnarumma, who impressed with key saves from Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

Guardiola’s defensive gamble in the second half, which saw Haaland and Phil Foden substituted, eventually backfired when Martinelli latched onto Eze’s lofted pass and lofted a superb finish over Donnarumma.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Sunderland, leaving them winless after five games and rooted in the bottom three.

Reinildo Mandava’s red card for a reckless kick on Matty Cash handed Villa a golden opportunity, and the visitors finally ended their four-game goal drought when Cash’s long-range strike deceived goalkeeper Robin Roefs. But Sunderland struck back to deny Unai Emery’s side a much-needed victory.