Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Gunners duo set unwanted record in Etihad draw

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Gunners duo set unwanted record in Etihad draw

Kolawole Babatunde 08:17 - 23.09.2024

Arsenal's Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber made Premier League history for the wrong reasons in their team's 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

The Gunners, aiming to overtake City at the top of the table, faced a tough challenge at the Etihad Stadium.

Riccardo Calafiori's goal and Gabriel Magalhaes' header completed a first-half comeback for Arsenal after Erling Haaland’s opener, but tragedy struck for the Gunners just before the break, as they were forced to play with ten men after Leandro Trossard's red card for allegedly delaying a restart. 

Mikel Arteta hugs Leandro Trossard after his sending-off against Manchester City on September 22, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta's side defended valiantly in the second half and were on course for a famous victory but ultimately conceded a late equaliser from John Stones to draw the game.

Havertz and Timber’s unwanted records

Two Arsenal stars, Havertz and Timber, got into the record books for their passing accuracy. Both players failed to complete a single pass during the entire game, a feat unprecedented in the Premier League since records began in 2003-04.

Timber started as right-back in the game against City as Ben White was dropped from the starting lineup due to fitness concerns, according to Arteta.

The Dutchman put up a solid showing defensively against the tricky Jeremy Doku, and while he had some moments going forward, none of his six attempted passes directly found a teammate. 

Arsenal star Kai Havertz | Imago

Meanwhile, Havertz, who started as the centre-forward, also attempted five passes and could not find a teammate.

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