Arsenal were on the verge of one of the most incredible comebacks in the Premier League at the champions’ home stadium, but John Stones equalised in the final minute of injury time.
It was a thrilling confrontation between the two title contenders with plenty of dramatic moments, culminating in the red card for Leandro Trossard at the end of the first half.
Emotions flared after the thrilling match between Erling Haaland, who scored his 100th Premier League goal in a City shirt, and Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus.
Pep Guardiola, however, was happier than his Arsenal colleague Mikel Arteta as the home side narrowly avoided a humiliating defeat to their title rivals.
Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan gives his expert player ratings from the Etihad.
Manchester City secured a late comeback against 10-man Arsenal in a dramatic clash between the two title rivals
Arsenal came close to a big Premier League win at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson-6
One of those strange days where he had hardly anything to do, but he picked the ball out of his net twice. For the second time he was charged with a foul.
Kyle Walker – 4.5
A truly miserable first half saw him guilty of both Arsenal goals. Better later, but a worrying performance from City’s captain.
Ruben Dias – 5.5
The distribution could have been sharper and it was a day that perhaps lent itself to John Stones’ passing ability.
Manuel Akanji – 6.5
Seemed to win everything in the air. Often the reserve when City played attack versus defence in the second half.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Remained calm defensively and more solid than in recent games. In attack he was dangerous from the left.
Rodri-7
He looked to be in top form, but the central midfielder’s afternoon was abruptly ended after 21 minutes due to a nasty knee injury.
Savinho-7
Fitted seamlessly into this system and fired an excellent shot away from his marker to set up Erling Haaland’s early opener.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Regularly appeared ready to cause chaos without picking the exact moment to break through a stubborn defense. Ran out of steam.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Missing big chances becomes a habit after an early volley wide. Could have seen his number come up when Phil Foden came on.
Jeremy Doku – 6
Jurrien Timber had Doku’s number in that particular battle. The Belgian offered glimpses without piercing the away line.
Erling Haaland – 7.5
Scored his 100th goal for the club superbly and if Arsenal had given him more chances, Arsenal would have been punished even further. Service was not there for him.
PARTS
Mateo Kovacic (for Rodri, 22) – 5
Phil Foden (for Doku, 70) – 6
John Stones (for Walker, 78)
Jack Grealish (for Savinho, 78)
MANAGER: Pep Guardiola – 6
I wonder if Stones should have come earlier and asked why his team couldn’t beat Arsenal.
Arsenal (4-4-2)
David Raya – 7.5
With his back against the wall, the Spaniard held his ground until the end – he made smart saves and collected crosses. Played quite a lot for time.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Usually deployed at left back by Mikel Arteta, he played hard against Doku on the other side for most of the afternoon.
Willem Saliba – 7.5
Decent in the tackle and led the back five after the break, Haaland put him under more scrutiny than he did last year.
Gabriel – 7.5
Initially the game was not optimal, but after a corner Arsenal showed much more dominance and strength.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
He sold a dummy for City’s first goal but his equaliser from 20 yards, which curled into the far corner, was a stunning goal on his debut.
Bukayo Saka – 6.5
Sacrificed at half-time after Leandro Trossard’s red card. Lively forward and doubled defensively.
Thomas Partey – 7
Played a crucial role in jumping from deep positions to intercept the ball or take possession around his own penalty area.
Declan Rice – 7
Not overly involved, but played in a disciplined manner without possession, reducing the space for City to operate in the final part of the pitch.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5
Very useful out ball for Arsenal on the counter. Brought Walker into areas he didn’t like and showed quick thinking to equalise.
Leandro Trossard-4
One of the most idiotic red cards you will see this season. On a yellow card he delayed the restart by shooting the ball away.
Kai Havertz – 7
A very lonely task after the red card, having to drop into midfield and at the same time pose a threat to the visitors.
PARTS
Ben White (for Saka, 46) – 7
Jakub Kiwior (for Calafiori, 74) – 6
Gabriel Jesus (for Martinelli, 87)
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Timber, 90)
MANAGER: Mikel Arteta – 7
The red card for Trossard played into his hands and the defensive efforts that followed showed how well Arsenal are coached.
Referee: Michael Oliver – 5