The Sunday News
ARSENAL were denied victory by Martin Demichelis’s late equaliser as they fought out an entertaining draw with Manchester City at Emirates Stadium yesterday.
England striker Danny Welbeck made his Arsenal debut after his £16m move from Manchester United – and should have celebrated with a goal only to strike a post when clean through early on.
Sergio Aguero made Arsenal pay for that miss by putting City ahead before half-time but goals from Jack Wilshire and Alexis Sanchez saw the Gunners in sight of a memorable victory.
Their hopes were dashed when poor marking at a corner allowed Argentine defender Demichelis to beat Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny to earn a point seven minutes from time.
In a frantic finish, Aleksandar Kolarov hit the post for Manchester City and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny cleared against his own post as the Premier League champions threatened to snatch the three points, which would have been very cruel on Arsene Wenger’s side.
Wenger will be frustrated at Arsenal’s failure to close out the win but he will have been delighted by the spirit and quality shown by his side.
Frank Lampard, who is on a six-month loan from New York City, made his Manchester City debut and played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Samir Nasri at half-time.
Jack Wilshere was a driving force in midfield while Welbeck, despite missing his best opportunity, was energetic and mobile enough in attack to suggest he will offer Arsenal a focal point and something different as the season progresses.
As for City and manager Manuel Pellegrini, there will be concern that the control they had after taking the lead was allowed to slip away in the face of Arsenal’s excellence, although they ended the game as likely winners.
And in a season where every point is precious, Pellegrini will be unhappy at two more lost following the surprise home defeat to Stoke City.
Barclay Premier League Results
Arsenal 2, Man City 2
Chelsea 4, Swansea 2
Chrystal Palace 0, Burnley 0
Southampton 4, Newcastle 0
Stoke 0, Leicester 1
Sunderland 2, Tottenham 2
West Brom 0, Everton 1
Liverpool 1, Aston Villa 1 – BBC Sport
