EPL: Stones’ last-minute strike breaks ten-man Arsenal’s heart

Arsenal’s hopes of snatching their first win at the Etihad since 2015 were dashed by a 98th-minute strike from John Stones – which further extended City’s remarkable thirty-three unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League.

The clash, which was the most crucial in the schedule for matchday five, had lots of drama written over it from the blast of the kick-off whistle.

The first ten minutes of the match saw Erling Haaland step up to swiftly slot home a beautiful pass from Savinho after outpacing Gabriel Magalhães to give the hosts an early lead, as well as his 100th goal in the colors of City.

Having grabbed their opener and dominating proceedings, things took a downhill turn for City after their midfield stalwart – Rodri – with whom they’re unbeaten in the Premier League since February 2023, was substituted due to an injury.

Shortly after Rodri’s exit, the Gunners got their equalizer from an unexpected source. Gabriel Martinelli’s pass was met by Ricardo Calafiori, who was having his first Premier League start, curling a superb strike beyond the reach of Ederson – leveling things for the visitors.

Arsenal looked overwhelmingly dangerous from that point, but soon enough, they got their reward. Their deserved lead came when Gabriel Magalhães beat Kyle Walker to nod in a corner from Bukayo Saka in the first minute of additional time before half-time.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard had already been booked for tugging back Savinho — a professional foul that Arsenal made no complaints about. But in the last moments of the first half, he barged into Bernardo Silva. 

Referee Michael Oliver blew his whistle for the foul, and Trossard then booted the ball up into the air and boom! The second yellow, and a red!

The numerical advantage gave City a chance to chase the equalizer, which never came till the death when John Stones pounced on a Matteo Kovacic rebound to shatter the Gunners’ hearts.