Write-off Right On Time

'Write-off' Gabs Grabs A Point 

Sometimes Arsenal fans are too quick to judge. Weren't a few of them saying Martinelli should be sold at the start of the season? I don't hear them now!

Sometimes it takes a Brazilian off the bench to remind you that football's still a game of moments, not spreadsheets and sports-washing. Gabriel Martinelli, with ice in his veins and Donnarumma in his sights, produced a lob so cheeky it might as well have come with a "mind the gap" warning for City's defence. One ball from Eberechi Eze, one touch, one finish — and one point rescued against the petro-pumped machine.

Early Sucker Punch

We had the ball, the swagger, nearly 80% possession in the first ten minutes… and then promptly gave it away. Cue Erling Haaland, a man who could probably score if you threw him into the Thames with a beach ball. One nick of possession in midfield, one overlap, one clinical finish, and we were chasing shadows. It was the first goal we'd conceded from open play all season, and of course it had to be him. City fans will tell you it was a "textbook counter." I'll tell you it was daylight robbery.

Huff, Puff, No House Down

The rest of the half was all about huffing and puffing. Noni Madueke threw his weight around like a nightclub bouncer on overtime, nearly carved out something for Calafiori, but City's backline were about as obliging as a tax inspector. Shots? Scarce. Madueke finally headed wide past the hour mark, and Rice went marauding through midfield like a Viking without the longship. Donnarumma, meanwhile, was catching crosses as if he'd popped down to Tesco for a loaf and a pint of milk.

Arteta's Dice Roll

Mikel Arteta, who clearly had enough of the slow boil, rolled the dice at half-time. Off went Merino and Madueke, on came Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. Suddenly the tempo lifted. Zubimendi leathered one over, Eze rattled Donnarumma's palms, and for a moment it looked like we might actually break them down. But this is City: cynical subs, defensive reinforcements, and a low block that screamed, "Thou shalt not pass."

The Gabi Gospel

But then, salvation. Ten minutes on the pitch, one run, one lob. Eze, in the middle of the park, decided to stop playing nice and sent a glorious ball over the top. Martinelli raced onto it like a man who hadn't read the script, dinked it over Donnarumma with a finish so audacious it could have been staged at the West End, and dropped it under the bar. Pandemonium. Point shared. Arsenal hearts beating again.

Final Word

A draw against City isn't just a point; it's a statement. Yes, they'll drone on about possession not mattering, Haaland's efficiency, and "game management." But Martinelli's lob will live longer in the memory than anything their accountants cook up. Next stop: Port Vale in the Carabao Cup (try to contain your excitement), before Newcastle away in the league. Strap in — this season's going to be a rollercoaster.