EPL: Martinelli’s late strike gifts Arsenal first City win since 2015

EPL: Martinelli’s late strike gifts Arsenal first City win since 2015

Arsenal beat Manchester City for the first time in the Premier League since 2015 as Gabriel Martinelli’s 86th-minute strike earned a 1-0 win at the Emirates on Sunday.

Making his return from a hamstring injury as a substitute, the Brazilian’s strike deflected in off Nathan Ake to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a memorable win against their nemesis.

While the Gunners are level on points with north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table, City drop to third after back-to-back Premier League defeats.

The biggest talking point until the goal was how City’s Mateo Kovacic somehow stayed on the pitch after successive late tackles on Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

City had the better early opportunities when Rice cleared off the line from Josko Gvardiol before Ake scooped a shot over the bar from close range.

Arsenal keeper David Raya, who had an uncertain time, was twice almost caught in possession on his line by Julian Alvarez.

But it was the home side who were elated as Martinelli, introduced off the bench for the second half, made that vital contribution.

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