Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praises Gabriel Magalhaes

Manchester City They divided the spoils against Arsenal Yesterday Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

City went into the game as favourites and got off to the perfect start with Erling Braut Haaland opening the scoring in the ninth minute. Ilkay Gundogan came close to doubling the lead with a free-kick, but the German's effort crashed off the bar with goalkeeper David Raya clearly outmatched.

Riccardo Calafiori levelled for the Gunners in the 22nd minute, the Italian curling a shot from outside the area in off the far post of Ederson's goal. Gabriel Magalhaes put the Gunners ahead with a header before the break, but City managed to get something out of the game.

City took a big lead when Leandro Trossard was sent off before the break. City struggled to break through Arsenal's solid defence but eventually found an equaliser in the dying seconds of added time through John Stones.

After the match, Guardiola was questioned by the BBC's Match of the Day programme. He criticised the club's defence before Gabriel's goal and said the Brazilian is “very strong” in that position.

He saying: “I admire my team. My team started well after interruptions for many things and after the first goal the referee asked the captains to speak. We defended very badly in the second and they are incredible. Gabriel is very strong in that position.”

City are winless in their last four meetings with Arsenal, with the Gunners winning on two occasions. The London heavyweights have shown they are no longer pushovers and are ready to challenge for the Premier League title.

Both teams will play in the Carabao Cup in midweek. Manchester City will host Watford, while Arsenal will host Bolton Wanderers. City will play away against Newcastle United in the league at the weekend, while Arsenal host Leicester City.