Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser as Arsenal held Manchester City to a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Premier League.
The Brazilian forward, who also impressed in midweek against Athletic Club with a goal and an assist, once again proved decisive for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s manager had recently spoken of the growing importance of his substitutes — or “finishers” — and Martinelli’s late strike highlighted that point perfectly.
City had taken the lead inside 10 minutes when Erling Haaland capitalised on a ruthless counter-attack, calmly slotting past David Raya after linking up with Tijjani Reijnders.
From then on, the visitors looked in control, frustrating the hosts with their pressing and sharp transitions.
Arsenal, who started with a midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, struggled to create chances before the break, drawing frustration from the home crowd.
Arteta responded by introducing Bukayo Saka — back from injury — and Eberechi Eze at half-time, instantly adding urgency and attacking threat.
Both came close, with Zubimendi shooting narrowly over and Eze forcing Donnarumma into a save.
Despite Arsenal’s growing pressure, City remained dangerous on the break, with Jeremy Doku stretching the Gunners’ defence.
Pep Guardiola eventually moved to protect the lead, switching to a back five and later substituting Haaland for midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
That conservative approach backfired in stoppage time when Eze slipped Martinelli through, and the winger coolly lifted the ball over Donnarumma to level the match, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Arsenal supporters.
The result means Arteta has now gone five consecutive games unbeaten against Guardiola — more than any other coach has managed.
For the second time in a week, Arsenal’s substitutes changed the game.
The club’s £250m summer investment has provided Arteta with depth, but his cautious midfield choices — also seen in the loss to Liverpool — continue to draw criticism.
Noni Madueke was bright early on, yet the Gunners only looked dangerous once Saka and Eze entered the fray.
Martinelli’s revival is a major positive, but doubts linger about why Arsenal cannot start matches with the same intensity they finish them.
Haaland’s opener underlined his exceptional form — six league goals in five games, alongside his European and international exploits.
Yet City, already chasing leaders Liverpool, could not hold on. Guardiola’s late tactical shift to a defensive setup invited pressure, and Martinelli punished them.
With Liverpool maintaining a perfect start, City’s dropped points leave them eight adrift and under pressure to rediscover their early-season ruthlessness.
