Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City: Rodri snatches dramatic win at the Emirates

Rodri struck a stoppage-time winner as Manchester City came from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory over 10-man Arsenal.

In the absence of Mikel Arteta following a positive COVID-19 test, Bukayo Saka put Albert Stuivenberg’s Gunners ahead at the Emirates with a neat finish in the 31st minute.

However, Riyad Mahrez equalised from the penalty spot just before Gabriel Magalhaes was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

And there was to be one final twist in the third minute of stoppage time, as Rodri prodded home to give Pep Guardiola’s side an 11th straight league win.

GETT IN!!!!!!

1-2 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/4fEZtkLX1p

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 1, 2022

City had won each of their previous nine Premier League matches against Arsenal but fell behind just after the half-hour mark.

Kieran Tierney was allowed to drive forward and feed Saka, who swept a first-time shot into the corner for his fourth league strike in three games.

That was the Gunners’ first goal in six top-flight meetings with City, and they nearly doubled the advantage as Gabriel Martinelli twice shot just wide.

City responded 11 minutes after the restart.

Granit Xhaka was adjudged to have fouled Bernardo Silva following a lengthy VAR review, and Mahrez sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong the way as he scored for the fifth match running.

Nathan Ake then cleared off the line following a mix-up between Aymeric Laporte and Ederson, before Martinelli hit the post with the goal gaping.

Arsenal were reduced to 10 men soon after, as Gabriel received his second yellow card in quick succession after clattering into Gabriel Jesus.

And with the contest heading for stalemate, the ball broke kindly for Rodri and the Spain international guided past Ramsdale to snatch the win.