Arsenal vs. Manchester City score: Gabriel Martinelli late goal lifts Gunners past Pep Guardiola’s side

Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli. 

City started strong and had a notable early chance through Josko Gvardiol, though his shot was cleared off the goal line. Arsenal slowly but surely made their way into the game and both sides were fairly even by halftime, though quality shots were few and far between. Gvardiol’s attempt was the only shot on target out of nine combined shots, though Julian Alvarez nearly scored for the visitors when he applied pressure on David Raya as he was attempting to send the ball long midway through the half.

Arsenal fully took command of the match in the second half, with Martinelli making an impact on the left wing after coming on at halftime. The hosts then racked up seven shots but limited the opposition to just one shot in the second half, though Arsenal only registered two shots on target during that time. The tight margins eventually favored the Gunners, who scored the game’s lone goal in the 86th minute.

The play began with a long ball from Thomas Partey, which allowed Arsenal to build up inside the penalty area. Kai Havertz eventually played a quick pass behind him to Martinelli, whose hit from the edge of the penalty area deflected before finding the back of the net.

It marks an impressive win for Arsenal, who were without Bukayo Saka after he came off with an injury during their 2-1 loss at Lens on Tuesday in the Champions League. The result takes Arsenal to second place in the Premier League, behind Tottenham Hotspur on goals scored.

City, meanwhile, are officially in the midst of a rough patch. The team may be third in the league but have now lost three of their last four games across all competitions and registered consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time in five years.