Gutting Arsenal point at Man City should not feel like defeat after Mikel Arteta masterclass

If offered a draw before kick-off, most Arsenal fans would have taken it; at half-time there is not a chance any would even consider it. Agonisingly close to an amazing result but with 10 men, how they defended it was heroic.

Writing lines for full-time is an art which can be both painful, exciting and unpredictable. As Arsenal went in at half-time against Manchester City with a surprise lead but a deficit in terms of the number of players on the field, literally anything was possible for the second half.

One decision made was to bring on Ben White for Bukayo Saka to help cover the loss of Leandro Trossard to a maddening second yellow card. Mikel Arteta is a man who has been judged on the progression of his Arsenal side but criticised for his management of some games such as the home tie with Aston Villa last season which proved pivotal in the title race.

At the halfway mark in the second half, Arsenal remained headstrong. Pep Guardiola began to roll the dice taking off Jeremy Doku and bringing on the well-rested Phil Foden.

Shots from outside the box became the normality, which suited the Gunners. Deflected shots appeared to be what Man City were hoping for to fall their way.

David Raya was forced into several saves and collections as the pressure grew. But it was a quick corner which seemed to catch Arsenal out. That might be harsh, but with the deflections and pinball action in the box, eventually their luck ran out and John Stones found the back of the net.

On reflection, the red card in some ways changed the game to suit Arsenal’s strengths. They’ve defended so well and are without the best in these scenarios in Europe.

The context surrounding this point should give the Gunners a massive boost despite the overriding sense of frustration. Unbeaten in two trips to the Etihad Stadium, unbeaten in their last four meetings as they try to overtake their frustrating title rivals.

Villa away, Tottenham away and Manchester City away, done and checked off the list. Arsenal now have three very winnable Premier League games to build up more momentum before Liverpool come to the Emirates Stadium.

While they might be three off the top, they remain within touching distance of City and were seconds from being at the head of the pack. Bear in mind it happened with 10 men, without their captain, losing key players in the game and all at the home of the best side in the country… there is plenty to be happy about.