Declan Rice makes Gabriel Martinelli 'sulk' admission after Arsenal heroics vs Man City

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised Gabriel Martinelli's mentality and resilience after he came off the bench to rescue a point against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Gunners had to wait until the second minute of injury team to break down Pep Guardiola's stubborn defence after seeming destined to lose for a second time this season.

Erling Haaland had put City ahead in the ninth minuteafter a rapid counter-attack from the away side. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into some decent saves but the Italian was left helpless for Martinelli's equaliser.

• Gabriel Martinelli gets dream Arsenal scenario as secret text before Man City heroics revealed
• Arsenal get massive title race boost as major Liverpool transfer collapses on deadline day

Eberechi Eze's long ball over the defence produced the opportunity and the Brazilian did superb to lift the ball over Donnarumma. The goal is his second in six days after he took just 36 seconds to score against Athletic Club in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

After the game, Martinelliand Rice spoke to Sky Sports and the latter was asked about his teammates' importance to make a difference off the bench. "Massive," Rice replied.

"Ever since I've come to the club he has delivered big moments. Some players can sulk if they get put on the bench but he shows his heart and desire.

"The run and finish is unbelievable. He fully deserves it - you wouldn't meet a nicer guy. He's come on and produced a moment of magic."

Rice played a pivotal in Arsenal rescuing a draw with his performance in midfield. The 26-year-old admitted that he could feel the frustration from those inside the Emirates Stadium.

"I could sense some frustration in the stadium because we had so much of the ball," he added ."We knew we had to step on it in the second half and the message was to keep pushing."