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Erling Haaland continued his sensational start to the season on Sunday, scoring his sixth goal in just five Premier League games.
The Norwegian striker didn't waste any time at the Emirates, finding the back of the net a mere nine minutes into the game, dealing an early setback to Mikel Arteta's title-chasing Gunners. Arsenal pair Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi both posed threats to equalize during the first half, but Manchester City's new goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was in top form, making a series of remarkable saves.
Arteta made some changes at half-time, introducing Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. And, as the second half approached, the mind games between the two rivals intensified.
The Gunners emerged from the tunnel before their City counterparts, who then kept the home team waiting for a few minutes.
Upon re-entering the pitch, Haaland seemed to have a brief exchange with Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres.
The City striker approached the Gunners' center-forward just as the second half was about to commence, giving him a friendly pat on the back and exchanging a few words.
Given his blistering form at the start of the season, Haaland is poised to play a key role in City's Premier League title campaign this season.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres - following a high-profile transfer from Sporting CP - will be vital to Arsenal's ambitions.
Since his arrival at the club, the Swedish international has found the back of the net three times in the Premier League. His goal is to emulate the impressive scoring record that Haaland has established at City.
Luckily for the multitude of home supporters gathered at the Emirates Stadium, Gabriel Martinelli was brought on as a substitute and managed to salvage a draw, preventing another damaging loss for Arsenal.
This result leaves the Gunners trailing league leader and reigning champion Liverpool by five points.
"Regardless of the result, I will say the same thing," Arteta told BBC Radio 5 Live at full-time.
"I am extremely proud of the team and the players for the way we played and dominated this game against this Man City. From my side as a coach that requires compliments from my side as a coach.
"After that, very disappointed with the result. It is true that scoring at the end gives you a bit of emotion, a bit of a taste, but then I think the first thought for me was to win the game."
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