Sunday’s Premier League fixtures delivered two thrilling contests.
Here’s how it all played out.
Things began with a bang as Nottingham Forest claimed a point after a fiery 2-2 draw with Brighton despite seeing Morgan Gibbs-White and both managers sent off.
At the Etihad Stadium, the drama continued with another four-goal thriller as Manchester City salvaged a point against Arsenal, themselves reduced to 10 men.
It might feel like two points lost rather than one gained but Arsenal would not be in either position without David Raya.
The Spaniard produced a resolute goalkeeping display throughout the second half as City peppered his goal virtually from the restart with 28 attempts.
John Stones’s rebounded leveller deep in added time invariably takes the sheen off his performance but how vital could this point prove in the title race?
Only two outfield players have played 89+ minutes of a Premier League game and not completed a single pass since @OptaJoe records began:
◉ Kai Havertz vs. Man City (0/5)
◉ Jurrien Timber vs. Man City (0/6)And it happened in the same game. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/KCKHP3S4RN
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 22, 2024
It’s as you were at the summit with City’s late point seeing them reascend after Liverpool’s 24-hour stint.
Arsenal move above Chelsea into fourth while Brighton and Forest sit seventh and eighth respectively, only separated by goal difference.
City’s goal hero John Stones on Sky Sports: “Over the years we have learned as a team to stick together, no matter who is playing and to always be ready – I’m sure you have heard the manager say that plenty of times. I came on and tried to be inside the box for more crosses. One dropped to me and thankfully I put it in the back of the net. I’m really pleased to have scored the goal like that.”
Mikel Arteta doesn’t hold back on Arsenal’s first-half red card: “I prefer not to comment. I’ve seen it. It’s that obvious. I’m expecting 100 Premier League games to be played 10 against or 11.”
Forest assistant Rui Pedro Silva gave his view on Gibbs-White and Nuno Espírito Santo’s dismissals to Sky Sports: “It was a fair and good tackle. Not justifying a second yellow card. I think the referees took their time. It’s not bad if they take their time. Anthony had a point of view. I didn’t hear nothing from the mouth of Nuno that justified a red card.”
Brighton coach Andrew Crofts speaks in the absence of Fabian Hürzeler: “We are frustrated. We felt we definitely did enough in the game and should be speaking about three points and a decent performance but we are not. There is lots to analyse and review and to grow from. But there is also lots to be positive about as well.”
The EFL Cup takes centre-stage in midweek for the likes of City and Arsenal before another round of top-flight fixtures commence next Saturday.
