Arsenal receive triple title boost following dramatic Man City draw with double debut loading

Arsenal came very close to winning at Manchester City and taking a massive step forward in the title, yet a point at the Etihad Stadium remains a very good reward for their efforts. It certainly will not feel like it in the immediate aftermath or even perhaps after a couple of days. But come May, hopefully, it will.

Mikel Arteta struck a frustrated figure as Leandro Trossard was sent off; he will now miss their next game at home to Leicester City. However, he can have little complaint as the Belgian clearly kicked the ball away after the referee’s whistle had gone, a good second after – which for many might be too short, but with the Declan Rice red card so recent in the memory, there is a fair argument that he should have been smarter.

David Raya spoke after the 0-0 draw with Atalanta about ensuring you don’t lose if you’re unable to win. Now, the context of this particular match was of course very different but the essence of the point has relevance.

With 10 men, at Man City, with your side in the lead, knowing you’re arguably the best defensive side in the world… you sit in. The approach to the second half was 99% perfect and were it not for a lucky deflection that saw the ball land at Stones’ feet they would be taking three points, not just one.

Yet at half-time, most would not have banked on Arsenal being the side gutted in the final seconds with only a point. City were delighted to finally grab the equaliser whereas Arsenal were left gutted but they remain just two points off Pep Guardiola’s team.

Arsenal had by far the toughest start to the Premier League season with away trips to Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City, and a tie at Atalanta in between the latter pair of league fixtures. City, meanwhile, have picked up 13 points with wins over Chelsea, Ipswich, West Ham and Brentford.

Arsenal have three games against Leicester City, Southampton and Bournemouth before Liverpool come to the Emirates Stadium. To go unbeaten in these five, winning three and getting a dramatic point in the toughest away game of the season, is a great start. The aim is now to keep it going.

Up next is the Carabao Cup match with Bolton in north London. Mikel Arteta can rotate his side, give others a rest and get a better view of some new players and young players too.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have both made appearances this season and both are likely to get plenty of minutes on Wednesday. Raheem Sterling might too get his first start with Gabriel Jesus also getting a chance to play.

The cups have taken an increased focus with the desire to win a trophy at its very peak. While rotation is expected, the win is wanted far more.