I saw ‘struggling’ Arsenal star deliver an incredible performance amid the chaos against Man City

The Arsenal players, coaches and fans will be leaving Manchester with mixed emotions – a team who were so close to delivering a historical win at the Etihad.

Instead, Arsenal had to accept a point, one that was earnt in exceptionally hard circumstances after Leandro Trossard’s red card.

The incident wasn’t as controversial as Declan Rice’s second yellow against Brighton & Hove Albion, though – Trossard should have known better.

That being said, Arsenal were able to weather the Man City storm with 10-men for so long in the second half – Mikel Arteta organised a fantastic rearguard effort at half-time.

Unfortunately, the pressure eventually told and Arsenal’s players were crestfallen, even if the point will feel better with time.

Gabriel Martinelli delivers the perfect all-round display in 2-2 draw at Man City

Following the draw, it’s impossible not to praise Arsenal’s defenders, they were all brilliant.

Gabriel Magalhaes was colossus, Jurrien Timber was defending valiantly one versus one, and Riccardo Calafiori’s goal will never be forgotten.

That being said, Gabriel Martinelli perhaps delivered the most impressive display overall, a player who has been ‘struggling’ – an adjective used after his display vs Atalanta.

But against Man City and Kyle Walker, Martinelli came alive at the Etihad, constantly getting the better of the England full-back in the first half.

The Brazilian’s attacking efforts were obviously curtailed in the second, Arsenal were effectively playing a 5-4-0.

But in addition to his excellent dribbles in the first half, Martinelli was then able to provide a brilliant defensive showing in front of his full-back – a skill he’s never lost.

There was talk of Martinelli losing his spot before kick off at the Etihad, a suggestion that now seems unthinkable.

David Raya continues to prove why Arsenal should trust Mikel Arteta

Amid the chaos of the second half in Manchester, it was easy for the Arsenal players to lose their composure, they were being put under a ton of physical and mental pressure.

But David Raya was calm throughout, making some ridiculous high claims when City were repeatedly floating the ball into the box.

Roy Keane gave his verdict on Trossard’s red card which put Arsenal in such a situation, but either way Arteta’s team reacted so well.

And with Raya, Arteta knows that he has a goalkeeper he can trust in all situations.

The Spaniard made countless saves and managed the game very cleverly.

If Martin Odegaard is usually Arsenal’s leader in the press, well then Arteta now has a leader in the dark arts, a goalkeeper who expertly conducted the second half, wasting time when needed.