“I am shocked Arsenal did not beat Man City” – Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist reacts

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores the equalising goal during the Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match. Picture credit: David Klein / Sportimage/IMAGO

A late-minute strike from Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli stole a point from the visiting Manchester City, who were looking to leave London with all points…

Former Super Eagles captain and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Sunday Oliseh, has voiced his surprise after Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

City drew first blood in the ninth minute through Erling Haaland, who finished off a swift counterattack led by Tijjani Reijnders. For long periods, Pep Guardiola’s men defended deep in a 5-4-1 shape, frustrating the Gunners’ attacking play.

Arsenal, however, found a lifeline in stoppage time as Gabriel Martinelli latched onto a long ball from Eberechi Eze and lobbed Gianluigi Donnarumma to snatch a point.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores the equalising goal during the Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match. Picture credit: David Klein / Sportimage/IMAGO
Arsenal vs Manchester City: What Oliseh Said
Despite the dramatic equaliser, Oliseh felt Arsenal should have taken maximum points, especially given City’s subdued performance.

“I am shocked Arsenal did not beat Man. City today! This is, I believe, one of the weakest performances put up by Man. City,” Oliseh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Coach Sunday Oliseh [Photo credit/IMAGO]
Nigeria Super Eagles legends Sunday Oliseh, Austin Okocha and Uche Okechukwu. Photo by IMAGO
The former Nigeria international noted that the introduction of Eze and Bukayo Saka in the second half gave Mikel Arteta’s side greater control but lamented their lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

“Eze and Saka’s introduction gave Arsenal a better grip of the game, if only Arsenal could better combine to strike at goal more. Sadly 2 points lost in my opinion, but then, it could have been worse!” he added.

I am shocked Arsenal did not beat Man. City today! this is. i believe. one of the weakest performances put up by Man. City. . Eze and Saka’s introduction gave Arsenal a better grip of the game,if only Arsenal could better combine to strike at goal more. Sadly 2 points lost in my…

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) September 21, 2025

The draw leaves Arsenal on 10 points from five matches, while Manchester City sit three points behind on 7 points, both trailing league leaders Liverpool.