Arsenal emerged from the Etihad with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Manchester City, a result that might strengthen their own title ambitions but could also dent the hopes of both sides.
The Gunners produced a strong defensive display, marshalled by a colossal William Saliba who earned the official Player of the Match award.
While the lack of goals may not have thrilled the neutral, this was a significant point for Mikel Arteta‘s men. They arrived in Manchester with a point to prove, having not won at the Etihad since 2015. Their game plan was clear from the outset: frustrate City, limit their attacking opportunities, and snatch a win if they could. First, though, do not lose!
The opening exchanges were dominated by the home side, with Nathan Ake squandering a golden chance from close range. However, Arsenal weathered the early storm and gradually grew into the game. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both threatened with their pace and movement, but their finishing lacked the necessary precision.
The pattern of the game continued after the break, with City controlling possession but struggling to break down a well-organised Arsenal defence. Saliba, in particular, was immense at the heart of the backline, winning tackles, repelling crosses, and keeping Erling Haaland at bay.
Both sides made substitutions in search of a breakthrough, with Pep Guardiola introducing Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku to add some attacking impetus. However, Arsenal matched them, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey strengthening the midfield and providing much-needed defensive cover.
The Gunners had a golden opportunity of their own when Leandro Trossard found himself clean through on goal, only to delay his pass to Martinelli and see the chance evaporate. Ultimately, a late chance for Haaland, superbly saved by David Raya, proved to be the closest either side came to scoring.
The final whistle blew on a tense and absorbing encounter, with both teams cancelling each other out. While a goalless draw might not be the most pleasing result, it was a tactical triumph for Arteta and his players. They frustrated City at their own ground, ended their remarkable home scoring run, and secured a point that keeps them firmly in the title race.
However, the biggest beneficiary of this stalemate could well be Liverpool, who now find themselves top of the table after their win over Brighton. However, Arsenal can take satisfaction from their performance at the Etihad. They showed defensive resolve, tactical nous, and a growing belief that they can compete with the very best in the league.
This point could prove to be a pivotal moment in their season.
After the game, Martin Odegaard told Sky Sports, “We wanted all three points obviously, and we did our best to win but in the end we didn’t do enough, so we take the point and we move on.” Asked how this result, compared to what happened at the Etihad last season, showed just how much Arsenal need William Saliba, Odegaard said “Any team in the world would miss this guy. You see the quality he has on and off the ball, so I am glad he is fit now. Brilliant player and brilliant performance again today.
“We had to defend a lot, a lot more than we planned to. We were dangerous in certain moments when we had the counters, but it is hard to keep the ball and build when you have defended for so long. Your legs are heavy. In the moments we managed to take the ball and get forward we looked dangerous and could have even won it at the end.”
So where does this leave Arsenal in the title race? “It is a long way to go,” Odegaard said. “So much can happen before the end of the season. We have to take it game by game, that’s is how we have to do it. Keep working hard, keep pushing and we will see.”