BY JOE APU
THE hopes of Manchester City getting a place in the Champions League for next season was left hanging in the balance on Sunday, following its 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium against visiting Arsenal.
Twice Arsenal now on 68 points came from behind to stall the hopes Manchester City. It was Sergio Aguero who gave
City the lead on eight minutes after latching onto Fernandinho’s downwards header to strike past Petr Cech but the visitors immediately hit back when Olivier Giroud ended his goal drought with a powerful header.
Kevin De Bruyne regained City’s lead six minutes after the restart, when the Belgium playmaker went on a surging run up the pitch before sending a crisp effort into the back of the net.
Arsenal, however, hit back again when Alexis Sanchez linked up well with Giroud before sending Joe Hart the wrong way to earn his side a point in their own quest for a top-four finish.
Champions League qualification is now out of Manchester City’s (65 points) hands with fifth-placed Manchester United (63) – who has a game in hand – knowing a win at West Ham on Tuesday will see United leapfrog its noisy neighbours going into the final game of the season.
Nigerian boys Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi starred in the clash.
Iwobi was very much involved in the game in the first half, defending and pushing forward, but faded in the second half .
Theo Walcott replaced Iwobi after 59 minutes.
Iheanacho had a chance to score half way through the second half, but he was too selfish after he ended a long solo run towards Arsenal goal with a poor attempt at goal. He gave way to Raheem Sterling in the 71st minute.
