Blues belief bolstered despite late blow

MANCHESTER City were desperate against Arsenal - in the best possible way. Every ball was scrapped for, every muscle burned and every lung was busted in a magnificent collective effort that banished memories of the 5-1 surrender at the beginning of 2025.

- By SIMON BAJKOWSKI

There was plenty to delight Manchester City bosses from the performance, even if the positives would have felt that bit better if the team had left North London with a priceless three points.

Erling Haaland's early goal gave them a valuable lead, and a superb defensive effort looked to have marked City out again as potential title contenders before they conceded in injury time to draw.

Arsenal gleefully took revenge against City here last season, routing them in a final 30 minutes that angered Pep Guardiola like few other performances have done.

Out for revenge after being pipped to two titles, the Gunners got revenge and then some.

But there was a question mark for them as there is more generally - going into this game of if they could still pick up a victory having completed what they initially wanted to.

Entering the game as favourites against a much-changed City but with pressure already from champions and leaders Liverpool, could they win for winning's sake?