Published on 09.10.2023
In a thrilling encounter at the jubilant Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Premier League title contenders Manchester City, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late heroics.
The talented Brazilian winger, who had been sidelined due to injury for the past five matches, provided Arsenal with a much-needed boost when he entered the game at halftime. His dramatic match-winning goal came just four minutes before the end of regular time, marking his first league goal of the season.
The sequence leading to the goal saw Kai Havertz play the ball back to Martinelli, who unleashed a powerful strike at the goal. A deflection off Nathan Ake left City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, with no chance, sealing Arsenal’s first league victory over Manchester City since December 2015. This significant win may have historic implications in this season’s title race.
Although Arsenal appeared shaky in the early stages of the match, especially in the absence of the injured star Bukayo Saka, Martinelli stepped up to deliver a crucial blow. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed the significance of the victory, describing it as a “big win.”
Unbeaten Arsenal now heads into the international break level on points with their North London rivals, Tottenham, at the summit of the league table.
WHAT A WIN ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iVpbwSV4kW
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 8, 2023
On the other hand, Manchester City finds themselves just two points behind but have suffered consecutive league defeats for the first time in five years. This suggests that the reigning treble champions might be more vulnerable than in previous seasons. Their recent losses, including one in the Community Shield and now in the Premier League to Arsenal, have exposed some vulnerabilities. City will be looking to regain their momentum when they have the injured Kevin De Bruyne and suspended Rodri back in action.
