Arsenal sparked their Premier League title challenge back into life by trashing rivals Manchester City in a heated 5-1 win that saw the Gunners earn revenge against the champions.
Tensions between the teams were high after September’s 2-2 draw between the teams but Arsenal earned a statement victory against Pep Guardiola's side, who had pipped them to the title in the last two seasons.
Goals from teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri ensured a triumphant victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, after Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal in front inside two minutes.
Erling Haaland equalised in the second half but Arsenal restored their advantage within 38 seconds off the restart as Thomas Partey’s strike deflected in off John Stones.
Lewis-Skelly added the third minutes later with his first Arsenal goal, before appearing to mock Haaland by copying his trademark “Zen” celebration.
Kai Havertz made it four, making up for his earlier miss, before Nwaneri came off the bench to complete the demolition of the champions and cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table.
Follow all the updates from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
- Arsenal thrash Man City 5-1 and spark life into title race with statement win
- 90+3' GOAL! Ethan Nwaneri makes it five in stoppage time (ARS 5-1 MCI)
- 76' GOAL! Kai Havertz makes up for earlier miss to add to Gunners rout (ARS 4-1 MCI)
- 63' GOAL! Myles Lewis-Skelly adds third with first Arsenal goal (ARS 3-1 MCI)
- 55' GOAL! Arsenal re-take the lead 38 seconds after restart with deflected Partey strike (ARS 2-1 MCI)
- 54' GOAL! Haaland heads brilliant equaliser to punish Arsenal misses (ARS 1-1 MCI)
- 25' CHANCE! Kai Havertz misses golden chance as Man City give ball away again (ARS 1-0 MCI)
- 22' SAVE! David Raya makes brilliant stop to tip Gvardiol header onto bar (ARS 1-0 MCI)
- 2' GOAL! Martin Odegaard strikes early after Man City give ball away (ARS 1-0 MCI)
Arsenal FC 5 - 1 Manchester City FC
The Myles Lewis-Skelly moment that summed up Arsenal and Man City’s new reality
20:35 , Miguel Delaney, at the EmiratesA huge result, in many more senses than an incredible 5-1 margin. There was a lot more going on here than Pep Guardiola’s worst ever league defeat, and a statement victory for Arsenal’s young side. It was full circle. This is what Manchester City had themselves subjected Mikel Arteta's side to before, but with far more edge to the celebrations.
Erling Haaland at least knows who Myles Lewis-Skelly is now. His City side, however, were left wondering where they were. The champions don’t look anything like a true Guardiola team, as they suffered a defeat that has been coming for weeks.
Arsenal, meanwhile, finally looked like what they should be. That was in no small part down to the assertiveness of their 18-year-old, whose urgency changed the entire tone of this game. It was also in quite a contrast of the meditative celebration that added insult to injured pride for Haaland and City. Lewis-Skelly went there, having surged through the champions.
The Myles Lewis-Skelly moment that summed up Arsenal and Man City’s new reality
Gabriel sparks Erling Haaland tensions with heated goal celebration
20:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes wasted no time renewing his rivalry with Erling Haaland after the Gunners scored within two minutes against Manchester City in their huge Premier League clash at the Emirates.
Champions City made a calamitous start as Pep Guardiola’s side were caught playing out from the back and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard finished first-time to give the hosts the lead after just 104 seconds.
And Gabriel, who clashed with Haaland during the fractious 2-2 draw between the teams in September, celebrated by shouting into the Norwegian’s face as he ran past him to celebrate with his team-mates by the corner.
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Gabriel sparks Erling Haaland tensions with heated goal celebration
Myles Lewis-Skelly mocks Erling Haaland with goal celebration as Arsenal thrash Man City
20:00 , Chris WilsonMyles Lewis-Skelly celebrated his first Arsenal goal by appearing to mock Erling Haaland as the Gunners turned the tables on rivals Manchester City at the Emirates.
Lewis-Skelly was involved in the heated scenes at the end of September’s fractious 2-2 draw as the teenager, then only 17, was booked for clashing with Haaland.
The Manchester City striker turned to Lewis-Skelly and asked “Who the f*** are you?” after Haaland told Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” in the match between the teams earlier this season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly mocks Erling Haaland with celebration as Arsenal thrash Man City
Arteta reacts
19:30"During the game, it [my feelings] was so-so. At the end maybe more than unusual. It's a great day for us, especially against the level of opposition we played today.
"To beat them in the manner we've done, a lot has to go your way. We played aggressively, with a lot of courage.
“Even if you want it, they are that good that sometimes you have to stay deep and suffer, and enjoy those moments as well. We had a bit of luck in some moments,” he adds.
"Just enjoy the day, it's something we will learn from as well and understand still that a lot of things have to go your way to win in that manner.
“One is to create the unbelievable energy in the stadium, we cannot waste one minute. It transforms the team and makes it tough for the opposition. It makes the players believe we can beat anyone on their day. It's going to be very helpful for the future,” he says.
On the situation after the match in September, he adds: “You have to focus on us and believe in anything that can happen.
“I've been in football a long time, just leave what happens."
Guardiola speaks
19:17 , Chris WilsonSpeaking in his post-match conference, Pep Guardiola says that he agrees that the result is unacceptable.
"We reacted really well. After the Havertz miss, we played the game in the high, high level we can be.
"You can lose two, three, four. But what we have done in 65, it was not done.
"Hopefully we can learn the lessons for the future,” he added.
"We are not used to that. Other results, this team has grown up. We allowed the space we wanted to avoid, the space in between the lines, that's why we have the feeling at home.
"We have done 60 minutes really good. I know Arsenal here, teh aount of chances they created. We didn't create much. We didn't give a lot for Havertz, didn't' give away from set pieces.
"But the last 20 minutes we were found out.
“It happens. It's football. There are a lot of goals. It happens. I don't like it, I'm a bit sad. But it's time to continue. We have a long week, we learn from that again. I know the players want to do it.
"It's not easy Arsenal are really good, the physicality and pressing were really good. In the future we will have games where we have to be stable.
“Those moments will pass and we have to take the game again. It's the responsibility of me as the manager to do it."
Stones: "It is hard to put into words straight after a game like that"
19:00 , Chris WilsonSpeaking to Sky, John Stones says that this kind of result “is hard to put into words”.
"How we played in the last 30 minutes was not acceptable. Personally and collectively, it's not us.
"It is not nice to be involved in that when you know it's not your team in those situations. Credit to Arsenal, this is not an easy place to come to. For 65 minutes, we played some great football at times.
"We were in the game and it was a swinging point. It swung the wrong way for us.
"It is difficult when there is an overload at the back, and you have a split second decision to come out and they got the luck on that one.
"I could have stayed more square, I'd have to watch it back. We cannot let those situations get on top of us.
"We stopped doing the things we meant to.
"A lot of different things that I have not figured out why we are not picking up results.
"The passion is there, the training and everyone has the right intention.
"We have not got to where we are without difficult times and that is through everyone's career right now.
"We all have to stick together, that's a key point that we don't start to point fingers."
Rice: "It’s been one of the best days since I've been at Arsenal"
18:54Declan Rice is speaking to Sky right after his two teammates, and he says that “the scoreline in the end is an unbelievable score”.
“From the moment we stepped onto the pitch we had that fire in our belly. We wanted to go out there and amend that [the 2-2].
“They had a lot of the ball, we had to sit deep at times. They can still punish teams.
“In the end, to win 5-1 was top but I thought it was a really tough game,” he adds.
On his own involvement, he says: “To get two assists is really big, and I need to add goals and assists to my game, especially if I’m going to continue playing in the ‘8’ position.”
“It’s been one of the best days since I’ve been at Arsenal,” he adds.
On the title race, he says: “It’s down to us to hunt them [Liverpool]. We know the goal we want, that’s to hunt them down.
“We need to keep taking reach game as it comes.”
Odegaard and Havertz react
18:48 , Chris WilsonArsenal captain Martin Odegaard is first to speak to Sky, and he’s with Kai Havertz.
Odegaard says that “in the end a scoresheet like that can’t be better, so we’re very happy”.
Havertz adds that Arsenal “managed to press them well and to not give them much time.
“Our energy was good as we used our chances,” he adds.
“I think it’s the timing, we train it a lot [the press]. It’s not only us, it’s everyone. I think the energy there is very important, the rest of the team did it excellently.”
Odegaard calls Havertz a “top player with and without the ball”, adding that it’s “good to have him in the team”.
“We just kept on going, and in the end I think we got what we deserved,” adds Odegaard.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 5-1 Man City
18:37 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s next match is a second leg tie in the Carabao Cup, with the Gunners needing to overturn a two-goal deficit against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
City have almost a week off, as they face Leyton Orient in the FA Cup on Saturday, 8 February.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 5-1 Man City
18:30 , Chris WilsonThat result pulls Arsenal to within six points of Liverpool at the top of the table, though the Reds have a game in hand.
City stay in fourth, on 41 points, though they could be overtaken by Chelsea tomorrow night.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 5-1 Man City
18:24 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 5-1 Man City
18:22 , Chris WilsonThat goal is more or less the last action of the game, and Arsenal have earned an emphatic win against their rivals.
They’re still a way off Liverpool, but that win will give them some serious confidence.
GOAL! Arsenal 5-1 Man City
18:21 , Chris Wilson92 mins
GOAL! Out of nowhere, and Ethan Nwaneri is clearly determined not to be outdone by fellow youngster Lewis-Skelly.
He makes it look deceptively simple. He picks the ball up from a great pass from Rice, and cuts inside before curling in a perfect effort that nestles at the bottom of the far corner.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:19 , Chris Wilson90 mins
More good dribbling from Nwaneri ends with Martinelli receiving the pass on the overlap, but his cross is palmed away by Ortega.
There’ll be three minutes of added time here.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:17 , Chris Wilson89 mins
OFF THE BAR! From the set-piece, Timber’s header at the front post hits the woodwork and bounces out.
Arsenal make another couple of changes as Lewis-Skelly and Havertz come off for Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:16 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Arsenal are certainly hunting a fifth too, with Nwaneri seeing his cross put behind by Akanji.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:15 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Silva catches Nwaneri with a late challenge, and he might get a booking when the period of play ends.
‘Ole’ is ringing around the Emirates as Arsenal string together plenty of passes.
Silva avoids a booking in the end.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:13 , Chris Wilson84 mins
A lovely little turn from Gabriel on the edge of the box plays in Timber, but he can’t create anything and has to settle for a corner, which eventually comes to nothing.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:11 , Chris Wilson82 mins
A nice combination in attack between Odegaard, Havertz and Lewis-Skelly, before Gabriel wins a free-kick.
Arsenal make their first changes of the evening as Odegaard and Trossard make way for Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:08 , Chris Wilson79 mins
The ball breaks free to Odegaard midway into the City half but he misses the run of Trossard, who would have been clean through, and instead sees his pass to Havertz cleared before Arsenal win a corner.
From the set-piece, Gabriel tries the extravagant overhead effort, but he can’t connect with it properly.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Man City
18:05 , Chris Wilson76 mins
GOAL! Brilliant from the hosts and that is the result wrapped up.
Arsenal win the ball on the edge of their box and there’s acres of space ahead of Partey. He only has to play one pass and Havertz is 1-v-1 with Ortega.
He races into the box and cuts back outside before rifling an effort into the far corner.
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
18:01 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Some great play from Timber to win a corner when isolated, and Arsenal fans are enjoying themselves at the moment.
From the set-piece, Odegaard’s ball in is punched away by Ortega, but Arsenal win it back immediately.
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
17:59 , Chris Wilson71 mins
A needless booking for Odegaard, who thinks he’s won the ball on the edge of the box and is booked for dissent.
City make two changes, as Foden and Marmoush make way for Kevin De Bruyne and James McAtee.
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
17:58 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Rice’s ball in is cleared by Kovacic at the near post, but Arsenal will come again.
We’re about to see the first changes of the day.
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
17:56 , Chris Wilson68 mins
CLOSE! A great chance for Arsenal and a great save too.
The Gunners go on the counter and Rice looks up to see Martinelli racing through. He threads in the pass but it’s not a perfect ball, forcing the Brazilian a little wide, and his shot across goal is saved well by Ortega.
Moments later, Trossard wins a foul on the wing, near the corner flag.
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
17:54 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Another period of sustained City possession that is lacking in threat at the moment. It ends with Savinho fizzing in a pass that Gvardiol can’t control.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Man City
17:51 , Chris Wilson63 mins
GOAL! A brilliant goal to put the hosts 3-1 up!
It’s one of the first times when Arsenal have put some pace and directness into the attack, and it’s paid off.
Rice fires in a pass to Lewis-Skelly in the box on the half-turn. He stands up Stones and curls an effort goalwards, and Ortega can only force it onto the post and in for 3-1!
Arsenal 2-1 Man City
17:49 , Miguel Delaney, at the EmiratesA game that has at last come alive, after City caused Arsenal to wake up. Mikel Arteta's side had allowed the game to drift, which is always going to cost you against City, even one that isn't as sharp as in the last decade. There was of course a moment where Savinho got his cross right and Erling Haaland caught it brilliantly. The equalising header was superb, and the Norwegian conspicuously didn't go to Gabriel to celebrate. A spell at 1-1 would have been an interesting test for Arsenal but they immediately responded, again exposing City's own issues. Phil Foden gave the ball away and City's defence gave Thomas Partey so much time to shoot. His effort cannoned off John Stones and in.
Arsenal 2-1 Man City
17:4859 mins
Half a chance for City as Marmoush gets free in the box, but he can’t get the shot away properly.
Moments later, Arsenal’s attack breaks down as Havertz and Trossard find themselves too isolated.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Man City
17:45 , Chris Wilson57 mins
GOAL! Oh my word, Arsenal are ahead again!
Very lucky for the hosts, as Foden fires a pass straight to Partey, who is in space and lines up a shot from outside the box.
It takes a huge deflection off Stones and wrong-foots Ortega, landing in the bottom corner for 2-1.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Man City
17:44 , Chris Wilson55 mins
GOAL! City are level in London!
It’s a great goal from City, and who else but this man.
Nunes picks it up on the right and plays it back to Foden, but this time Savinho is making a brilliant diagonal run into the box, and the Englishman finds him.
From there, the Brazilian looks up and stands up a great cross to the back post, with Erling Haaland there to nod in past Raya.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:42 , Chris Wilson54 mins
There’s some great play from Arsenal in their own box to bypass the City high press, before Odegaard tries to control a pass that wasn’t meant for him and the attack breaks down. That would’ve been a good chance for the hosts.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:40 , Chris Wilson53 mins
Trossard does well to create the space for the cross, and it’s deflected off Foden, narrowly missing Odegaard at the far post. The referee misses the deflection and gives a goal kick, however.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:39 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Foden wins a free-kick after Nunes had won possession well on the right.
From the set-piece, Foden sees his cross headed away, and Arsenal have a chance to counter, though they decide to recycle the ball.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:3749 mins
Better from City as they attack through the middle, with Kovacic feeding in Haaland, whose through ball into the path of Marmoush had just a little too much on it.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:35 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Stones’ first action of the half is to cushion a header back to Ortega.
City go up the other end but Foden can’t find the gap in the defence, exchanging passes with Nunes six times in a couple of minutes before another pass bounces over the Portuguese’s head for a throw.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:33 , Miguel Delaney, at the EmiratesA game that has gone from strange to difficult to watch. It is so cagey. Arsenal seem to be psychologically set up for the City of 2023 rather than 2025. Omar Marmoush one of the few players injecting a bit of intensity into the game but he isn't fully in sync with his teammates.
Back underway.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:33 , Chris WilsonThe hosts get us back underway at the Emirates.
HT: Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:32 , Chris WilsonJust six touches in that half for Erling Haaland – there were almost 37 minutes between his second and third, too.
Both teams are coming back onto the pitch ahead of the second half.
HT: Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:29It’s not been a great match for the neutral at the Emirates, with both sides looking tame in attack.
Arsenal’s goal came from a City mistake and neither side has really created anything from open play, with City’s best chance coming from a corner.
The hosts probably had the better of the first half, but since having a goal disallowed for offside, they’ve seen City go into the ascendancy before the half-time whistle.
As it stands though, Arsenal look to have been fairly happy to let City have it in certain areas, with Guardiola’s side looking uncharacteristically lacking in ideas.
Gabriel sparks Erling Haaland tensions with heated goal celebration
17:23 , Chris WilsonArsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes wasted no time renewing his rivalry with Erling Haaland after the Gunners scored within two minutes against Manchester City in their huge Premier League clash at the Emirates.
Champions City made a calamitous start as Pep Guardiola’s side were caught playing out from the back and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard finished first-time to give the hosts the lead after just 104 seconds.
And Gabriel, who clashed with Haaland during the fractious 2-2 draw between the teams in September, celebrated by shouting into the Norwegian’s face as he ran past him to celebrate with his team-mates by the corner.
Gabriel sparks Erling Haaland tensions with heated goal celebration
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:21
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:18 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the first half to an end, and both sides head in with the hosts 1-0 up.
It’s been a tentative first half in north London, with Arsenal failing to capitalise on an early gift.
The Gunners should probably be 2-0 up, but City are not out of this by any means.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:16 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of added time here. That suggests what sort of game it’s been so far. Both sides exchanging possession as we come to the end of the first 45.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:15 , Chris Wilson44 mins
Another decent save from Raya, as the cross is headed away to the feet of Savinho in the box, and he squeezes in a low shot that is deflected, with the Spaniard doing well to palm it away.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:13 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Half a chance for City now as Gvardiol gets into the box and fizzes in a promising cross that Raya doesn’t deal with, but the ball doesn’t fall kindly to Silva at the far post, with Lewis-Skelly doing well to shepherd him away from the ball.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:11 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Havertz is guilty of wasting another half-chance as he hesitates when up 1-v-1 against Stones and fails to pick out Rice – or anyone – in the box.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:10 , Chris Wilson37 mins
It’s become a slightly strange match-up here, with both sides seemingly accidentally taking the pace out of the game.
Arsenal haven’t exactly looked to play on the counter, even considering City’s frailties at defending them recently.
The visitors have been lacking ideas in attack themselves, but on another day they could be level.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:05 , Chris Wilson35 mins
A brief reprieve for Arsenal as Havertz wins a free-kick in his own half.
The hosts look happy to let Nunes have the ball on the right wing at the moment when City do attack.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:04 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Another good delivery from the corner from Marmoush, but Raya manages to collect after a header is deflected.
Arsenal try and mount a counter but City win it back quickly – they’ve made a marked improvement but they’re still not threatening enough from open play.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:01 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Trossard skips away from Nunes with a lovely little nutmeg but he can’t capitalise on the space in front of him.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:59 , Chris Wilson26 mins
CLOSE! How has Havertz not made it 2-0! So poor from the German really.
It’s a mistake from City again as Ortega sells short Kovacic with the pass. Rice goes sliding in on the edge of the box to dispossess him, and the ball rolls to Havertz.
The German has the ball in the box, around a yard from the penalty spot and he stands up Ortega before dragging his effort wide of the far post!
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:57 , Miguel Delaney, at the EmiratesA strange opening quarter, where Arsenal have been deserved leaders but also kind of let it drift a bit. Manchester City have again been so lacking in intensity, especially at the back, which has been a feature of all recent games. Arsenal initially did exactly what they should have in attacking that, and forcing an error from a lax Manuel Akanji after John Stones' telegraphed pass.
These were two of the best defenders in the world in this system but a year ago, and now look so lacking in bite. Martin Odegaard was left so free to just pick his spot from Kai Havertz's assist. Arsenal are almost making the same mistake as Chelsea last week, however, in not really pressing home.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:56 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Another half-chance for City straight away as Marmoush finds the side-netting from inside the box.
City have grown into the game now, with Savinho doing well to win foul from Timber near halfway.
The Dutchman is the first player to be booked.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:55 , Chris Wilson23 mins
CLOSE! Brilliant from both sides.
Marmoush swings in a lovely set-piece and Gvardiol rouses highest, powering a header goalwards that forces a brilliant reaction save from Raya, who tips it onto his own bar.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:53 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Better from City and good defending from Timber as he backtracks to head Nunes’ cross behind for a corner.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:5221 mins
Arsenal waste a promising counter as Odegaard puts too much on a pass to Martinelli.
City go on the attack but it’s all too pedestrian and side-to-side, before Foden’s cross is headed away.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:48 , Chris Wilson18 mins
A little better from City as Savinho squares a pass to Marmoush, but the Egyptian can only rifle an effort over the bar from outside the box.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:48 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Trossard tries a clever reverse pass into the path of Martinelli, but Ortega is off his line well to collect.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:46 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Trossard does well down the left and thinks he’s drawn a foul near the box – he was right, but the referee has missed it.
The chance ends as Gabriel swings in a cross which is easily cleared.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:44 , Chris Wilson13 mins
We’ve not had a lot of attacking action since the disallowed effort from Martinelli, with both sides looking understandably cautious over the last few minutes.
Savinho is penalised for a late challenge on Havertz and Arsenal have the chance to reset.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:4211 mins
Arsenal have been happy to go long when needed so far, putting plenty of pressure on the full-backs when they do. It’s been a disciplined performance from the hosts up to now.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:398 mins
City are looking settled in possession but the play is lacking penetration at the moment.
Arsenal are happy to sit back and let the visitors have it for now, as Nunes is penalised for being offside.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:376 mins
it’s been al Arsenal since the goal and they think they have a second as Odegaard threads a brilliant pass to Martinelli, but the Brazilian had strayed offside before producing an excellent chipped finish.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man City
16:35 , Chris Wilson2 mins
GOAL! The hosts are ahead already!
It’s a nightmare start for City as Stones fires a poor pass into Akanji, who gets it stuck under his feet.
He’s under pressure and he’s dispossessed, with the ball coming to Rice, who rolls it to an unmarked Havertz in the box. He takes his time, luring in Ortega before squaring it to Odegaard, who taps into an empty net.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:32 , Chris Wilson1 min
An early sight of goal for the hosts as they briefly get in behind the visiting defence, but Havertz fires straight at Ederson.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:31 , Chris WilsonThe visitors get us underway in north London.
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
16:26 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at the Emirates now, so we’ll be underway soon.
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
16:20 , Chris WilsonA reminder that a win for Arsenal would take them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool (who will have a game in hand).
For City, a win today would help to consolidate fourth place for now, taking them to 44 points – three behind both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Match facts
16:15 , Chris WilsonArsenal won this exact fixture 1-0 last season – they last won consecutive home league games against Man City between 2005-06 and 2008-09 (a run of four).
Having won 12 consecutive league games against Arsenal between 2017 and 2023, Manchester City are now winless in their last three against the Gunners (D2 L1).
Arsenal have received 19 Premier League red cards since Arteta's first game in December 2019, more than any other side in that time.
City have earned 17 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.
Why Arsenal vs Man City is the Premier League’s most bitter rivalry
16:10 , Chris WilsonIf the Arsenal and Manchester City squads are readying themselves for “war” on Sunday, the mood isn’t that different off the pitch. There are few polite niceties there. This is probably the club relationship with the deepest animosity in the Premier League, and even worse than some notorious rivalries from the past.
September’s 2-2 draw had more fallout than any other match this season so far, and that’s despite this campaign’s many refereeing controversies. One official at a rival club even marvelled at how the fallout had gone into “day six”. That 2-2 had opprobrium about referees and much more, including a farrago over footage of Arsenal executive vice-chair Tim Lewis leaving his seat without shaking hands with City counterparts. There was some irritation about that in north London, especially since they feel City’s senior figures don’t always welcome them.
The champions, meanwhile, see Arsenal as one of the clubs most actively in opposition to their ownership. Crucially, some of this has filtered down to the dressing rooms.
Arsenal, Man City and the Premier League’s most bitter rivalry
Previous meetings: City 2-2 Arsenal
16:05 , Chris WilsonAs mentioned above, it was during the last match between these two sides that Rodri suffered his season-ending injury.
That match was in many ways a culmination of the last few years of increasingly tense rivalry between these two sides, who have directly battled each other for the league in the last two seasons.
Erling Haaland had opened the scoring early on that day in September, before Rodri suffered his injury around 20 minutes in.
Soon after, a brilliant strike from Riccardo Calafiori levelled the match, and the Gunners went ahead as Gabriel headed in from a corner just after the 45-minute mark.
There was still time for more drama in the half though, as Leandro Trossard found himself sent off after receiving a second yellow – this one for delaying the restart after fouling Bernardo Silva.
From there, Arsenal were forced to produce a heroic defensive display as they came under wave after wave of City pressure, and they finally gave way as John Stones converted in the 98th minute.
Despite all this, the match was arguably more memorable for the post-match antics from several players, with Haaland telling Arteta to “stay humble” and also throwing a ball at Gabriel after the final whistle.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defends right to ‘respectful’ criticism of referees
16:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shut down wild conspiracy theories that his side’s matches are being manipulated by bias referees – but defended his right to criticise decisions he does not agree with.
Referee Michael Oliver, who last weekend controversially sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s win at Wolves – a decision which has since been overturned by the Football Association – has not been selected to take charge of the Gunners’ Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
Oliver, regarded as one of the best officials in the Premier League, has faced death threats and abuse since the match at Molineux, and was tasked with officiating Ipswich’s 2-1 defeat against Southampton instead of being thrust back into the spotlight at the Emirates.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defends right to ‘respectful’ criticism of referees
Pep Guardiola ‘not complaining’ about Manchester City’s tough run of fixtures
15:55 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has labelled the game’s fixture-schedulers “so kind” as he braces his Manchester City side for a tough February.
Yet the City boss insists he is not complaining after a two-legged Champions League tie against Real Madrid was added to a programme that already includes Premier League encounters with Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham.
City face Real in the play-off round after missing out on automatic place in the last 16 by finishing only 22nd in the league phase.
Pep Guardiola ‘not complaining’ about Manchester City’s tough run of fixtures
Head-to-head
15:50 , Chris WilsonToday will be the 194th official meeting between these two sides, who first faced off in 1893 as Woolwich Arsenal and Ardwick.
Much has changed since then of course, and of those 193 matches, Arsenal have won 91, with City winning 57 and 45 ending as draws.
City have not won any of the last three meetings, after September’s 2-2 draw, a 0-0 draw on their way to the title in March last season, and a 1-0 loss at the Emirates in October 2023.
Pep Guardiola describes new relationship with Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal and Man City tension
15:45 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola insisted his relationship with Mikel Arteta is “exceptional” as he shrugged off suggestions Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday is a grudge match.
The Catalan also said City may carry on spending, despite paying out £122m in the January transfer window to bring three players to the Etihad Stadium.
City drew 2-2 with Arsenal in September in a fractious encounter that ended with Erling Haaland telling Arteta to “stay humble” and directing an insult at Gabriel Jesus.
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Guardiola describes relationship with Arteta amid Arsenal and Man City tension
Previous meetings: City 4-1 Arsenal
15:40 , Chris WilsonWhen these two sides met in April 2023, City were hunting a treble while Arsenal had their best shot at winning the title since their last victorious campaign in 2003/04.
The Gunners entered the match as league leaders, though City had two games in hand despite the five-point deficit.
And what was billed as a potential title-decider ended up being an embarrassing day for Arteta’s side, who were blown away by Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as City romped to a 4-1 home win.
The Belgian opened the scoring on seven minutes, with John Stones doubling the lead before half-time and De Bruyne netting the third around the 54th minute.
Rob Holding managed to pull one back for Arsenal, but it was only a consolation as Haaland – who already had two assists to his name – finally got his goal to strike a devastating psychological blow to the Gunners.
Rodri’s injury highlights Man City and Arsenal’s key difference in pursuit of glory
15:35 , Chris WilsonIt isn’t often Pep Guardiola wishes he had suffered defeat. But as he looks back four months, to what now looks the moment Manchester City’s era of dominance came to an abrupt end, he said: “I would have preferred to lose that game and have Rodri all season, absolutely.”
Guardiola didn’t lose the game in question. John Stones’s 98th-minute equaliser against Arsenal in September seemed colossal in the context of the title race. Not now: or only in the way points have tended to escape Arsenal’s grasp. It was the second of seven games this season they have drawn after leading, despite a heroic defensive display in the second half.
For City, however, the seismic setback had nothing to do with the scoreline. Penalty shootouts aside, they lost a lone game in which Rodri appeared last season: the FA Cup final. They have lost 10 this season: none in the first month after the Spaniard was sidelined, then in a flurry.
Rodri’s injury highlights Man City and Arsenal’s key difference in pursuit of glory
Why Arsenal vs Man City is the Premier League’s most bitter rivalry
15:30 , Mike JonesIf the Arsenal and Manchester City squads are readying themselves for “war” on Sunday, the mood isn’t that different off the pitch. There are few polite niceties there. This is probably the club relationship with the deepest animosity in the Premier League, and even worse than some notorious rivalries from the past.
September’s 2-2 draw had more fallout than any other match this season so far, and that’s despite this campaign’s many refereeing controversies. One official at a rival club even marvelled at how the fallout had gone into “day six”. That 2-2 had opprobrium about referees and much more, including a farrago over footage of Arsenal executive vice-chair Tim Lewis leaving his seat without shaking hands with City counterparts. There was some irritation about that in north London, especially since they feel City’s senior figures don’t always welcome them.
Arsenal, Man City and the Premier League’s most bitter rivalry
Arsenal line-up to face Man City
15:17 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2025
🧤 Raya returns
🧱 Saliba partners Gabriel
⚡️ Havertz leads the line
Let's give it everything, Gunners 👊
Man City line-up to face Arsenal
15:16 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Ortega, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Marmoush, Foden, Haaland
Your City! 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 2, 2025
XI | Ortega Moreno, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo (C), Savinho, Marmoush, Foden, Haaland
SUBS | Carson, Grealish, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Reis, Khusanov, O'Reilly, Lewis, McAtee#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/9edVtcHhuO
Team news
15:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
David Raya is classed as a doubt after missing Arsenal’s Champions League win over Girona in midweek. The continued absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jeusus could give Ethan Nwaneri a chance to start against the champions, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is available after his red card against Wolves was overturned following an appeal.
Pep Guardiola can use his new signings, including Omar Marmoush, after they were ineligible in the Champions League in midweek. While City have no new injury absences, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Rodri remain out but John Stones is fit to feature and Oscar Bobb could return.
Match facts
15:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal can extend their unbeaten run to 14 Premier League games, which would be their best run under Mikel Arteta. They last went 14 top-flight games undefeated between August and December 2018 when Unai Emery was in charge.
City are vying to win consecutive away league matches for the first time since August.
Pep Guardiola understands Erling Haaland’s reaction at end of last Arsenal clash
14:50 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola accepts Erling Haaland’s emotions may have got the better of him in Manchester City’s heated clash with Arsenal last September.
But the City manager insists it was a rare lapse from a player who continually rises above persistent attempts by opponents to unsettle him.
City striker Haaland was involved in a long-running battle with Gunners defender Gabriel in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium and tensions boiled over after John Stones’ stoppage-time equaliser.
Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel’s head and there were further angry scenes after the final whistle. The Norwegian told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” amid the fiery exchanges.
Pep Guardiola understands Erling Haaland’s reaction at end of last Arsenal clash
Mikel Arteta says he has moved on from Erling Haaland dispute
14:42 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta said his dispute with Erling Haaland “stays on the pitch” as Arsenal prepare to renew their rivalry with Manchester City at the Emirates.
The last meeting between the sides in September ended in explosive fashion, with Haaland launching a ball at Gabriel’s head before telling Arteta to “stay humble” as players and staff from both sides clashed at the full-time whistle.
But when asked about Haaland’s comment ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture, Arteta said: “I don’t take anything personally with what happens on the pitch.
Mikel Arteta says he has moved on from Erling Haaland dispute
Match facts
14:35 , Chris WilsonManchester City won 12 consecutive Premier League games against Arsenal between 2017 and 2023 but are winless in the subsequent three meetings (D2, L1).
The Gunners are vying to record back-to-back home league wins against City for the first time since a run of four victories between October 2005 and April 2009.
Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins ‘happy to stay’ at Aston Villa
14:27 , Chris WilsonOn a reported Arsenal target...
Unai Emery insists Ollie Watkins is happy to stay at Aston Villa, who are reportedly considering a loan move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Villa turned down a bid from Arsenal for England striker Watkins earlier this week, reported to be in the region of £60million.
And according to reports, Villa are interested in bringing in out-of-favour Rashford on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins ‘happy to stay’ at Aston Villa
Arsenal battling Man Utd for Mathys Tel but face one stumbling block for Bayern star
14:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal and Manchester United are investigating a move for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, with his desire to leave the Bundesliga side causing a flurry of activity that has also seen Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur declare their interest.
A significant issue that the Gunners must overcome is whether a loan with an option to buy is possible. Fewer clubs would be interested if it is just a loan without an option to buy.
Meanwhile, United would need to spin plates financially in order to make the move happen but they are one of Tel’s preferred options. He is understood to only want to go to a club where he will be guaranteed a certain number of minutes and who can offer him the most football may well decide his ultimate destination.
Arsenal battling Man Utd for Mathys Tel but face one stumbling block
Prediction
14:10 , Chris WilsonThis is a rare occassion where Manchester City are not expected to triumph when they meet Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, at least according to the bookmakers. However, City have won their last two matches and seem closer to their old selves meaning this match is too hard to call. Unbeaten in five matches the Gunners have weathered a slight stumble and know this is a must win game if they hope to challenge for the title.
Arsenal 2-2 Man City.
Predicted line-ups
14:05 , Chris WilsonArsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Haverz, Martinelli.
Man City: Ederson; Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Silva; Foden, Marmoush, Savinho; Haaland
Team news
14:00 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola can use his new signings, including Omar Marmoush, after they were ineligible in the Champions League in midweek. While City have no new injury absences, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Rodri remain out but John Stones is fit to feature and Oscar Bobb could return.
Team news
13:55 , Chris WilsonDavid Raya is classed as a doubt after missing Arsenal’s Champions League win over Girona in midweek. The continued absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jeusus could give Ethan Nwaneri a chance to start against the champions, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is available after his red card against Wolves was overturned following an appeal.
Is Arsenal v City on TV?
13:50 , Chris WilsonWhen is Arsenal vs Man City?
The Premier League fixture will kick off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 2 February.
What TV channel is it on?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football, with coverage getting underway following the earlier match between Brentford and Tottenham.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Arsenal and Manchester City renew their rivalry with precious Premier League points up for grabs at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola’s sides faced each other for the title in the last two seasons but it is Liverpool who are leading the way now.
The Gunners know they need to win to keep pace with Arne Slot’s side, while City are aiming to keep their place in the top four.
But tensions will still be high after a fractious 2-2 draw between the teams earlier this season.
Erling Haaland was involved in the drama as he told Arteta to “stay humble” - a moment that is unlikely to have been forgotten.
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
13:30 , Chris WilsonGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s match between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Gunners trail Liverpool by nine points ahead of kick-off, making this a must-win match against a City side who have rediscovered some form in recent weeks.
We’ll have all the latest build-up and updates right here.
