Champions League: Dier’s Late Strike Stuns Man City, Arsenal Squad Depth Shines Again

Champions League Highlights: Arsenal Shine, Man City Stunned in Dramatic Night
By Harry Bamforth, Oliver Holt, Isaan Khan, and Jack Gaughan | Updated: 22:49 BST, 1 October 2025

[Image: Arsenal and Manchester City fans celebrating in the stands at Stade Louis II]

A thrilling night of Champions League action saw Arsenal solidify their dominance with a 3-1 win over Olympiacos, while Manchester City suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Monaco thanks to a late Eric Dier own goal. Here’s how the drama unfolded:

Arsenal’s Depth Delivers Again
Mikel Arteta’s rotated squad proved their mettle at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing a slick team move with a low drive into the bottom corner.

[Image: Saka celebrating his early goal with teammates]

Olympiacos equalized against the run of play through forward Fotis Ioannidis, but Arsenal’s response was swift. Gabriel Martinelli restored the lead just before halftime, tapping in a rebound after a chaotic scramble in the box. Substitute Emile Smith Rowe sealed the win late on, capitalizing on tired legs to slot home from close range.

[Image: Martinelli wheeling away in celebration after his goal]

Arteta praised his team’s resilience: “The players who came in showed exactly why we trust them. This competition demands squad depth, and we’re proving we have it.”

Man City’s Late Agony in Monaco
Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a gut-wrenching defeat after a controversial finish in Monaco. Phil Foden’s stunning 65th-minute strike canceled out Youssouf Fofana’s opener, but chaos ensued in stoppage time. A deflected cross ricocheted off Eric Dier for an own goal, handing Monaco three points.

[Image: Dier head in hands after the own goal]

Guardiola bristled at post-match questions about City’s defensive errors: “We controlled the game but one moment changes everything. Credit to Monaco—they fought until the end.”

[Image: Foden’s equalizer sparks wild celebrations from City fans]

Key moments:

• 12’: Fofana drills Monaco ahead after City lose possession.
• 65’: Foden curls a world-class effort into the top corner.
• 90+3’: Dier’s misfortune gifts Monaco the winner.

Post-Match Reactions
Arsenal now top Group B with two wins, while Manchester City sit third in Group D, needing a response against Porto next week.

[Image: Arteta and Guardiola exchanging words post-match]

Stat of the Night: Arsenal have scored in 12 consecutive Champions League matches—their longest-ever streak in the competition.

Next Up:

• Arsenal host Aston Villa in the Premier League.
• Man City face a must-win clash vs. Porto in Europe.

Stay tuned to Daily Mail Sport for more updates.

[Image: Champions League trophy displayed on pitch before kickoff]

Final Scores:

• Arsenal 3-1 Olympiacos (Saka 18’, Martinelli 43’, Smith Rowe 89’ | Ioannidis 29’)
• Monaco 2-1 Man City (Fofana 12’, Dier OG 90+3’ | Foden 65’)

Key Takeaways:

1. Arsenal’s squad depth could be decisive in their quest for European glory.
2. Man City’s defensive lapses resurface at the worst possible time.
3. Foden’s brilliance continues to shine despite City’s struggles.