Manchester City snatch 98th-minute draw against Arsenal as both teams go wild in wild contest

Arsenal nearly produced a defensive show of strength in the second half against ten-man Manchester City but were thwarted in the end as the sides shared the spoils at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners came from behind to lead the game thanks to a goal from Riccardo Calafiori and a header from Gabriel before the break after goal machine Erling Haaland had opened the scoring for the hosts early on. But John Stones gave Pep Guardiola's side a point in the 98th minute. And the centre-back's goal left the players fuming after the coaches' emotions had already boiled over during the game.

Leandro Trossard was sent off following a second yellow card in added time at the end of the first half after kicking the ball.

Mikel Arteta's men were unlucky to overtake City at the top of the Premier League table after Stones' goal, despite holding off a flurry of second-half attacks from the Citizens. And Express Sport takes a look at five talking points from the clash in the north-west.

Carragher justified by his defensive views

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher praised centre-back duo William Saliba and Gabriel earlier in the week, claiming they were among the best ever in the Premier League. And the duo proved their worth against City by defending everything that came their way.

Gabriel even scored for the second time in a week after heading in the winner against Tottenham in the north London derby last Sunday.

Arsenal failed to learn from Rice's red card

Arsenal paid the price for a needless sending off in late August when they let a 1-0 lead slip away against Brighton after Declan Rice was sent off for kicking the ball. And the Gunners failed to learn from their mistake as Trossard was sent off for exactly the same reason.

Arsenal have now had 17 players sent off under Arteta in the Premier League, more than any other team. And if they don't show discipline, they will continue to be hampered by red and yellow cards as the season progresses. It's hard enough to beat City with 11 players on the pitch.

Referee's Command Column in Inches

Referee Michael Oliver will be at the centre of discussion for his decisions during the match. He sent off Trossard after he had already angered City's players by allowing Arsenal to take a quick free-kick before their opening goal.

Oliver pulled Kyle Walker out of position towards the centre of the pitch to chat with the City captain, then allowed Arsenal to take a quick free-kick and exploit the space Walker had left open. Gabriel Martinelli took advantage to set up Calafiori, who curled the ball beyond Ederson in the City goal.

Oliver refused to hand out a booking when City winger Jeremy Doku kicked the ball in the first half but then gave Trossard a second yellow card just before the break.

Guardiola and Arteta in a battle of emotions

Guardiola and Arteta know each other as well as any Premier League manager, and it seems their emotional state during matches is reflected.

The City manager was furious after Arsenal's first goal, feeling his team had been embarrassed after Walker was pushed out of position by Oliver. The Spaniard committed a foul on the pitch after the ball hit the net, protested to fourth official Andy Madley and kicked his seat in anger.

Arteta, who usually shows his emotions on the touchline, then pulled his sweater over his face after Trossard was sent off as his anger was clear for all to see.

Rodri's defeat gives Arsenal the lead

Rodri spoke earlier in the week about the possibility of players going on strike because of the intense demands being placed on them. And his own workload may have contributed to the injury he suffered midway through the first half at the Etihad, when he was forced off the pitch after a clash with Thomas Partey.

Guardiola's side lost three Premier League games last season when the Spaniard was suspended. In contrast, the reigning champions are unbeaten in their last 52 Premier League games in which Rodri has played. If Rodri is out for a long period, it could prove costly for City this season.