3 positives & negatives from Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Man City

Positive #3: Arsenal's unity

City's electric pace and precision during the opening exchanges made Arsenal look ordinary. Haaland's goal appeard the cue for one of those away-day hammerings in big games that left so many psychological scars among Gooners.

It didn't happen because this Arsenal team has a stronger sense of unity in difficult moments. The togetherness was obvious as Arsenal slowly, quietly and almost apologetically crept into the game as the first half progressed.

Previous rearguard actions, like the one at Tottenham last week, and at City last season, have shown these players they can weather the storm in any environment. Doing so demands sacrifice, like when Gabriel Martinelli spent almost an hour doubled up as a left-back. Or when Rice did a passable impression of a third central defender.

Those things kept City from using their man advantage to win this game and also maintained Arsenal as viable title contenders who won't go away easily. Many previous Arsenal teams had more flair, verve and entertainment value, but this group is content with simply being a tougher nut to crack.

Negative #3: Not protecting a lead with 10 men

Arsenal would have gladly accepted a point before kick-off, but being so close to claiming all three, only to be denied, naturally leaves a small sense of regret. Particularly when this is now the second time this season the Gunners have lost a lead with 10 men.

The same thing happened after Rice was dismissed against Brighton. Then it took Joao Pedro less than ten minutes to equalise.

That draw at the Emirates Stadium was two points dropped. Stalemate with City feels like a point gained in the micro-context, but in a broader sense, this result is still damaging.

Arsenal learned the hard way last season about how costly not seizig the chance to beat City can be in a title race. A day when City were without Kevin De Bruyne, lost Rodri to injury early and Arsenal led 2-1 late, rates as another missed opportunity.

Fortunately, this one is early enough in the campaign for Arsenal to still make amends.

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