‘Mentally, physically & tactically, Arsenal show why they are a force’

Mikel Arteta must be devastated that Manchester City equalised so late on Sunday but, given the circumstances, he will still be delighted with the attitude and performance of his players.

It took a 98th-minute John Stones goal to deny Arsenal what would have been a huge statement win over the Premier League champions, who have not been beaten at home since November 2022.

Even so, the way the Gunners came from a goal down to lead at Etihad Stadium before the break, and then hold out for almost the entire second half with 10 men, showed why they have become such a force – mentally, physically and tactically.

Their results and performances in three tough away games in the past seven days have underlined that, with a hard-fought win at Tottenham and a battling draw against Atalanta before this game, which they were unlucky not to win.