Manchester City continued their mixed start to the 2025/26 Premier League season with a 1-1 draw at rivals Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola's latest clash with his former assistant coach Mikel Arteta saw the spoils shared after a dramatic late twist at the Emirates Stadium.
Erling Haaland's crisp early goal was the perfect start for City in North London as the Norwegian silenced the home crowd after just nine minutes.
Arsenal seized control of the game after half-time, as Guardiola looked to dig in and preserve their single-goal lead, and Arteta threw more attackers on in the closing stages.
It was two of Arteta's late changes that combined to snatch a point in the third minute of added time as Eberechi Eze's superb lofted ball released Gabriel Martinelli and the Brazil international lobbed Gianluigi Donnarumma.
With Arsenal enjoying two extra days break following their midweek UEFA Champions League opening win at Athletic Club - as City won 2-0 at home to Napoli - Guardola cited the schedule as a key reason for a more defensive outlook which failed to produce a win.
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"We were strong mentally. It's difficult to play when our high press is not working because they are good," as per BBC Sport.
"Last season we lost 5-1 and today we drew. We can't say we're satisfied but we can't say it's not a fair result.
"The week was tough. Manchester United, Napoli and then today. The champions of Serie A and the derby is always difficult. We just need to go step by step to try and get points.
"When the opponent is better we defend deeper and counter attack, but that's not our intention. I take a point and in some games we have to adjust."
Arteta is now unbeaten in his last five Premier League meetings with Guardiola, his best record against the Catalan coach, as City sit ninth in the rankings after five games played this season.
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