Rodri scored a 93minute goal to move Man City 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal stay 4th despite the loss
By Kehinde Okeowo
Rodri scored an additional-time winner at the Emirates Stadium as Man City beat 10-man Arsenal to go 11 points above Chelsea in 2nd place.
The hosts were the better side early on and they opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Bukayo Saka finish off a pass from Kieran Tierney, to give Arsenal a 1-0 deserved lead.
The Gunners were on course to create a major shock that could have redefined the Premier League title and top four races, but their implosion in the second half put a spanner in the works.
Riyad Mahrez levelled the match for City from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after Granit Xhaka was judged to have brought down Bernardo Silva by referee Stuart Attwell, who overturned his initial decision after VAR review recommended re-check.
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Arsenal justifiably were aggrieved at the decision after their own penalty appeal in the first half was denied following a long VAR check for Ederson’s tackle on Martin Odegaard
Moments later, a moment of confusion at the back from Ruben Diaz and Ederson caused Nathan Ake to produce a sublime goal line clearance in the 58th minute before Gabriel Martinelli failed to capitalize on the rebound which should have been a sitter.
It got worse for the home side when Gabriel was sent packing for a clumsy challenge on Gabriel Jesus which earned him the second yellow card and dismissal.
Arsenal looked to have held out for a draw despite being a man down until Rodri scored from a loose ball in the 93rd minute to help City claim 11th successive league win and go 11 points clear in the league.
The Gunners, whose manager Mikel Arteta was forced to watch the match from home after contacting Coronavirus, remain fourth in the table despite the defeat.