2024-09-23 01:35:03
Manchester City and Arsenal shared a furious and dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium after John Stones’ 98th minute equaliser.
City took the lead when Erling Haaland struck early in the game and the champions looked in full control. But the game unravelled for Pep Guardiola’s side, first when Rodri came off injured on 20 minutes, and then when Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori swept home a stunning equaliser.
Gabriel then rose to power home a head and give Arsenal a 2-1 lead heading into half-time, but moments before the break the Gunners were reduced to 10 men in unusual circumstances when Leandro Trossard first clattered into City’s Bernardo Silva and then kicked the ball away in frustration.
City spent the entire second half attacking and left it very, very late to finally get the goal that denied 10-man Arsenal a huge victory.
Follow all the reaction from Manchester City v Arsenal in the live blog below.
Manchester City vs Arsenal LIVE
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Man City vs Arsenal kicks off at 4.30pm BST, live on Sky Sport
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Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland
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Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
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GOAL! Erling Haaland scores his 100th City goal – MCI 1-0 ARS [9’]
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GOAl! Riccardo Calafiori scores a stunning goal – MCI 1-1 ARS [22’]
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GOAL! Gabriel fires Gunners into the lead – MCI 1-2 ARS [45+1’]
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RED CARD! Trossard is sent off on the brink of half time MCI 1-2 ARS [45+7’]
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Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
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GOAL! Stones scores a last-gasp equaliser – MCI 2-2 ARS [90+8’}
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Full time: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
Manchester City FC 2 – 2 Arsenal FC
Pep Guardiola on Arsenal’s title challenge
19:48 , Sonia Twigg
When asked about Arsenal being title-contenders, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “They are the biggest contender in the last two years.
“They are exceptional and we know it.
“They are able to do many, many good things.”
Arsenal’s 10-man masterclass didn’t beat Manchester City – but it might have changed the title race
19:36 , Sonia Twigg
It was the last kick of a ball by a Manchester City player, John Stones latching on to the rebound after Jakub Kiwior had flung himself into the path of Mateo Kovacic’s shot, just beating the heroic David Raya. Arsenal were seconds away from a statement win, from a seismic victory. Instead, a 98th-minute goal extended City’s unbeaten run at home to 48 games. Their gap to Arsenal remained at two points. After extraordinary drama, nothing changed. And yet, at various points, in different ways, it felt as though everything had.
As Arsenal’s previous trip to the Etihad Stadium brought a 0-0 draw, the scoreline may not suggest they produced a defensive masterclass. Yet they did: a magnificent rearguard action almost brought the ultimate reward, in the sort of result that would reshape a season. As it was, they channelled the spirit of George Graham’s sides in an epic display of obduracy, only to receive a reminder that even when City feel uninspired – and perhaps because Arsenal made them look uninspired – they still had not killed them off.
Arsenal’s 10-man masterclass didn’t beat City – but it did change the title race
Pep Guardiola reacts to the match
19:23 , Sonia Twigg
Guardiola said to Sky Sports: “A lot of things happened in the game, we have time to analyse it after. We have created a good rivalry with Arsenal. It was before with Jurgen [Klopp], now it’s in different way. You know how we started, it was a little bit delayed after two seconds.
“They have a lot of personality but we have it. Ninety-nine points to play. That’s life. We equalised, we deserved it.
“After there was injury, interruptions. We made a good build-up because it’s not so easy because they’re so good. To be able to score two goals against Arsenal is not easy.”
Manchester City snatch late draw against Arsenal
19:16 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the match-defining late goal:
John Stones on Arsenal’s defending
19:03 , Sonia Twigg
When asked about Arsenal’s defending, Stones said: “I wouldn’t say they’ve mastered it. They’ve been doing it for a few years. You can call it clever and dirty, whichever way you call it, it upsets the rhythm for everyone. They use it for their advantage. We controlled our emotions really well.
“What everyone expects watching a big game like this is there’s drama and whether you’re involved in it, you want to be level-headed and not make silly yellow cards.
“They made it difficult for us being so deep and having so many people around the box. It will be something we have to review.
“For the past few years, there’s been a rivalry that’s been growing. One where we’ve always wanted to be on top. We’ve got one, we wanted three. But we came away with a vital point is something we should be proud of.”
‘No overlaps, no underlaps’: Roy Keane tears into Manchester City after draw against Arsenal
19:02 , Sonia Twigg
Keane said on Sky Sports: “It has happened before where teams can get a result with ten men. Listen, Arsenal did well but City were really poor – no movement, no overlaps, no underlaps.
“It was more poor play from Manchester City than Arsenal’s brilliant defending.”
While his fellow pundit Micah Richards was praising Arsenal’s defending: “Man City will be disappointed in the way that they played in that second half.
“I thought Gabriel and Saliba were unbelievable to defend like that for 45 minutes in the second half, against the best team in the league, it was just remarkable.”
‘No overlaps, no underlaps’: Roy Keane tears into Manchester City after Arsenal draw
John Stones speaks after his last-gasp equaliser
18:57 , Sonia Twigg
John Stones: “I was (delighted). I obviously frustrated that you don’t get to start in these big games, before the game I tried to channel it and have a positive attitude if needed to come on.
“Over the years we’ve worked hard to stick together no matter who is playing. I came in and tried to be inside the box for all crosses and one dropped to me and I put it in the back of the net.”
He added: “He brought me on to play close to Erling (Haaland) and help with aerial duels.
“I’m really pleased to score a goal like that.”
Full time: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
18:47 , Sonia Twigg
Paul Merson reacts to the draw on Sky Sports: “A shame for Arsenal, City ran out if ideas, they looked like they ran out of ideas, Arsenal did brilliantly, but now they will look back and wonder.”
“At the start of the game you would have taken a draw, so fair play to Arsenal.”
While Theo Walcott said: “They limited Manchester City to scraps.”
Full time: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
18:41 , Sonia Twigg
After 100 minutes of tense fractious action, the points are shared in a thrilling match between the defending champions and those who pushed them to the final match last season.
It was contentious from the outset, Havertz left Rodri on the floor after the first five seconds and the tempers flared until the final whistle.
Leandro Trossard’s red card forced Arsenal to go defensive, and they almost managed to keep out City, but after stoppage time had run out, Stones managed to level the tie and ensure the home side’s record at the Etihad would not be broken.
Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
18:38 , Sonia Twigg
90+9 minutes: It’s all kicking off on the pitch, the players are pushing and shoving.
Haaland has bundled into Gabriel and all of the players jump in almost immediately.
VAR have called the barge “reckless”.
GOAL! John Stones with a late leveller! – Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
18:37 , Sonia Twigg
90+8 minutes: GOAL! We have gone past the 97 minutes and the game is still continuing.
There are two more minutes left.
John Stones is in the right place to poke the ball into the back of the net after a goalmouth scramble and City have equalised!
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:35 , Sonia Twigg
90+5 minutes: Arsenal have done an incredible job.
They have backed themselves to keep out City and they have thrown everything at it.
Jesus has gone down, and been shown a yellow card, while Bernardo Silva tries to take a corner.
Raya rises tallest and claims the ball with both hands.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:33 , Sonia Twigg
90+4 minutes: Arsenal again manage to clear their lines.
Frustration is creeping into the City players and they still cannot break through.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:32 , Sonia Twigg
90+2 minutes: Timber has come off and Myles Lewis-Skelly has come on for his Premier League debut.
An Islington boy he has been at the Gunners since the age of nine.
There have been seven minutes of time added on, but there could still be more than that!
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:30 , Sonia Twigg
90+1 minutes: The game ticks over into added time.
Timber is down, Raya kicks the ball out having been told to get on with it by referee Michael Oliver.
But when the ball does go out, the physio has rushed onto the field to attend to Timber.
Oliver is showing Bernardo Silva a yellow card for his words over the incident. Guardiola is not happy with the added time.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:28 , Sonia Twigg
89 minutes: Gabriel is down for a brief stoppage but he doesn’t look to happy at the referee.
He was originally holding his mouth and Guardiola uses it as an excuse to call some of his players over for a quick pep-talk.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:26 , Sonia Twigg
87 minutes: Save! Raya makes another low save, this time to deny Gvardiol.
City are starting to look a little bit frustrated as Jesus comes on for fellow countryman Martinelli.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:24 , Sonia Twigg
85 minutes: Dias fires another one into the crowd. Martinelli has gone down with cramp and has been told to get up and get on with it by the referee.
The Arsenal fans in the crowd are not pleased. Gabriel Jesus is preparing to come on against his former club.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:23 , Sonia Twigg
83 minutes: Declan Rice has been shown a yellow card for delaying a restart.
The last time City lost a Premier League match at home was on 12 November 2022.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:19 , Sonia Twigg
80 minutes: In the second half, City have had 14 shots from outside the box, as Kovacic lashes another one over the bar.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:17 , Sonia Twigg
78 minutes: Pep Guardiola is throwing everyone he can onto the field to try and create something.
But Arsenal have stood firm so far and it’s been an incredible effort.
Foden tries to find a way through but his shot lacks direction.
Jack Grealish and John Stones come on for Kyle Walker and Savinho.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:14 , Sonia Twigg
75 minutes: Arsenal have reportedly completed just 15 passes in the second half compared to 208 from Man City.
Kovacic has a shot blocked on the edge of the area.
There are 15 minutes left of normal time, can Arsenal hold on that long?
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:13 , Sonia Twigg
74 minutes: Jakub Kiwior is on for Calafiori.
But Manchester City attack again almost immediately.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:11 , Sonia Twigg
72 minutes: City are still camped outside the Arsenal box, and again Raya has to make another save!
Dias’ strike was deflected and almost fell into the path of Foden, but the goalkeeper was able to get there.
Calafiori who scored a stunning goal for the Gunners in the first half has just dropped to the ground and signalled that he has to come off.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:10 , Sonia Twigg
Richard Jolly offers the latest analysis:
Arsenal have negotiated the first half of the second half without conceding. David Raya has made a couple of fine saves but they have defended superbly. Pep Guardiola has brought on Phil Foden. Not sure why he still has a back four when Arsenal have no one in attack.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:08 , Sonia Twigg
69 minutes: Savinho tries his luck from outside the box, and another shot sails over the bar.
Doku has come off for Foden.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:07 , Sonia Twigg
68 minutes: Doku goes down just inside the box, Michael Oliver had a very good view of the incident and did not give anything.
Arsenal again are just trying to hook the ball clear at any opportunity and Phil Foden is preparing to come on.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:04 , Sonia Twigg
65 minutes: Raya has sat down and might be receiving treatment. The City fans are getting annoyed at the goalkeeper, who has been taking his time over free kicks.
Myles Lewis-Skelly on the Arsenal subs bench has just been shown a yellow card for something.
Arteta is having a conversation with his players.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
18:01 , Sonia Twigg
62 minutes: SAVE! Raya is down so quickly to deny Gvardiol, the ball was hit so hard and so close to him and he does well to keep that out of the net.
Arsenal boot the ball clear and City have another chance to build from the back.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:59 , Sonia Twigg
61 minutes: At the hour mark, Arsenal had made just two passes in their opponents’ half in the second 45, since the red card that has drastically changed the tempo of this match.
The Gunners’ 5-4-0 is just inviting pressure and they are hoping they can keep it out for as long as possible.
But half an hour is a long time to withstand this level of pressure from a side of this quality.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:58 , Sonia Twigg
59 minutes: Another moment of last ditch defending, and Arsenal scramble it clear!
But a corner is played to Haaland who leaps and heads it down, Raya is equal to it and Bernardo Silva fires over the bar!
City are ramping up the pressure here.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:56 , Sonia Twigg
57 minutes: Save! Another chance, and another shot from distance!
This time Akanji fires wide and Manchester City have another corner.
Doku is closed down by Martinelli, but with no outlet, the pressure is just building again and again.
Raya makes a strong save to deny Walker!
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:52 , Sonia Twigg
53 minutes: Shot! Dias goes for a sliced strike from long range, but it goes wide of the target.
Another lengthy goal kick from Raya follows.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:51 , Sonia Twigg
52 minutes: Arsenal are very compact, they are looking to get stuck in and I wouldn’t be surprised if they started to look to counter-attack.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:48 , Sonia Twigg
49 minutes: Moments later there’s another chance, the ball falls to Kovacic just outside the area. He takes it on, but the ball sails way over the bar.
The crowd are getting frustrated at the time Raya is taking for the subsequent goal kick.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:47 , Sonia Twigg
47 minutes: Haaland has a header, it’s the first real chance of the second half, but the centre-back just does enough for it to be difficult for the City forward, and it goes straight into the hands of Raya.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:45 , Sonia Twigg
Update from Richard Jolly:
An extraordinary first half at the Etihad, capped by Leandro Trossard’s red card. Further incident at the start of the second, with Bukayo Saka withdrawn and Ben White coming on. Arsenal seem to be playing 5-4-0 now.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:44 , Sonia Twigg
46 minutes: Arsenal get the second half underway.
Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:43 , Sonia Twigg
Ben White is getting ready to come on at half time, and it will be for Saka.
Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:41 , Sonia Twigg
Trossard red card pundit reaction on Sky Sports:
Theo Walcott: “We’ve been here before this season. You kick the ball away, you’re going to get a booking.”
Roy Keane also agrees with the former Arsenal player, saying: “When you’re on a yellow card, do not give the referee a chance to send you off.
“You can say it’s harsh all you want but it’s a yellow card.”
Sky Sports are just showing an example of Doku also kicking the ball away and not being shown a yellow card…
Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:35 , Sonia Twigg
Here is the official explanation for the yellow card from the Premier League match centre on X: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Leandro Trossard for delaying the restart.”
Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:31 , Sonia Twigg
After a frantic half of football, here is a quick look at some of the stats:
Half time: Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:29 , Sonia Twigg
An intense half of Premier League football comes to an end. So often clashes between the biggest sides are cagey affairs, but today’s match has been anything but that.
City have been the better of the two teams, but Arsenal have grasped their chances, although the red card to Trossard just on the brink of half time has put a serious dent in their chances of getting all three points at the Etihad.
RED CARD! Trossard is sent off on the brink of half time – Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:26 , Sonia Twigg
45+7 minutes: RED CARD! Partey is shown a yellow card for a sliding tackle just on the brink of half time, and the free kick will be City’s last chance of the half.
But there’s another twist in the story and Trossard is shown a red card! He has flown into a tackle, barging Bernardo Silva, and then kicked the ball away. The Arsenal midfielder had already been shown a yellow card earlier in the match and he has to go here!
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:23 , Sonia Twigg
45+5 minutes: City are trying to attack the Arsenal backline but the visitors are holding firm and trying to get through to the break with their lead intact.
Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:20 , Sonia Twigg
45+2 minutes: There is a VAR check for a possible foul on Ederson from Martinelli, but the goal is allowed to stand!
Gary Neville has just called out Ederson for “allowing” himself to be knocked to the ground by Martinelli.
GOAL! Gabriel fires Gunners into the lead – Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal
17:19 , Sonia Twigg
45+1 minutes: GOAL! A minute into the six minutes of added time and Arsenal have taken the lead!
It has come against the run of play, but Gabriel has headed the ball into the back of the net.
He had looked dangerous from a corner beforehand and he was just in the perfect place for that one.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:16 , Sonia Twigg
Another update from our man on the ground Richard Jolly:
Exit Rodri, clattered within three seconds of kick-off, hurt a quarter of an hour later, a knee problem providing a cause for concern for Manchester City, regardless of the result against Arsenal.
His importance does not just stem from his excellence – though as a possible Ballon d’Or winner, he is among the best in the world – but from City’s record without him. They lost at Arsenal last season when he was suspended and when Mateo Kovacic had a particularly poor game. While City have fared better without Rodri this season, it is still more reassuring for him when he is present.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:14 , Sonia Twigg
40 minutes: The game has just settled down a touch and Arsenal are enjoying a bit more time on the ball as it nears half time.
Although there have been two stoppages already so there is likely to be a reasonable amount of added time.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:11 , Sonia Twigg
38 minutes: Chance! Another chance for Arsenal, it’s the first time they’ve got forward for a while.
The corner was perfectly placed but Gabriel just couldn’t direct his header into the back of the net, he had lost his marker Doku and carved out the ideal opportunity.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:08 , Sonia Twigg
35 minutes: Chance! Doku tries his luck from the edge of the box, but his shot is wayward and goes wide.
It might have been offside anyway, and Arsenal head clear the following corner.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:07 , Sonia Twigg
34 minutes: Leandro Trossard is shown a yellow card for a shirt tug, and Michael Oliver is facing a bit of a battle to stay in control of this game.
The tempers are rising from both sides.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:06 , Sonia Twigg
33 minutes: Man City’s passing has been so clinical for most of the first half, but there’s just a couple of wayward passes creeping in and could that be a sign of frustration?
Arsenal are still playing most of the game inside their own half.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:03 , Sonia Twigg
30 minutes: David Raya makes a low save to deny a drive along the ground from Kyle Walker.
Arsenal are really struggling to clear their lines against this high press from City, and they have given the ball away far too many times.
However, only one statistic matters, and the scoreline remains level.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
17:01 , Sonia Twigg
28 minutes: Manchester City attack again, in numbers, they are camped outside the Arsenal box just trying to find a way through.
Arsenal win the ball back and clear, but cannot build an attack of their own and the pressure comes straight back onto them.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
16:58 , Sonia Twigg
24 minutes: Manchester City’s indignation in the build up to the goal is reportedly because Arsenal took the free kick 10 yards away from where the foul took place.
That is pretty common in Premier League matches, and not really an excuse for not being alert enough to the quick free kick.
The fans are up from both sides, and this is developing into a thrilling contest.
GOAL! Riccardo Calafiori scores a stunning leveller – Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
16:56 , Sonia Twigg
22 minutes: GOAL! Riccardo Calafiori has scored an absolutely stunning goal!
The free kick is taken quickly, City were caught napping and Calafiori receives the ball on the edge of the box and curls it perfectly into the side of the netting.
Guardiola is fuming and kicks his seat in frustration, but the Gunners are level.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:54 , Sonia Twigg
21 minutes: The tempo of this match has not slowed down at all. Kovacic is on for Rodri, but there are heavy tackles flying in all over the place leaving two Arsenal players down.
The referee is just having a word with the two captains, probably to try and calm it down a bit.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:53 , Sonia Twigg
19 minutes: Rodri is being helped from the pitch and he is limping fairly heavily. This is likely to be his last involvement in the match.
Kovacic has been instructed to warm up by Guardiola.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:50 , Sonia Twigg
Time for some analysis from our Senior Football Correspondent, Richard Jolly at the Eithad:
Arsenal denied Erling Haaland a shot on target in the Premier League last season. He has made an impact on both of the defenders who subdued him then in the first 10 minutes here, colliding with William Saliba and accelerating away from Gabriel Magalhaes to score. It is 100 Manchester City goals in 105 games, or little over two seasons.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:49 , Sonia Twigg
16 minutes: There’s another incident off the ball! Rodri has gone down and is writhing in pain.
It’s another stoppage, it’s a minor collision. VAR has checked it and dismissed it, but it could be a big blow for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
He does seem to be in some pain.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:47 , Sonia Twigg
15 minutes: Post! Gundogan takes it! He curls it towards the near post, Raya dives and it thuds back into play off the woodwork!
City have looked like a different team in this match so far.
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:46 , Sonia Twigg
13 minutes: Manchester City have looked dangerous every time they go forwards.
They will have another chance here with a free kick just on the edge of the Arsenal box.
GOAL! Erling Haaland nets his 100th goal for City – Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal
16:42 , Sonia Twigg
9 minutes: GOAL!
Erling Haaland has fired his side into an early lead, it’s his 100th goal for the club.
It was one ball that just carved open the defence and neither centre-back could chase the forward, it was perfectly weighted and Haaland has just slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
16:40 , Sonia Twigg
7 minutes: Chance! After the frantic start, the game has calmed down a bit, with both sides just trying to find their feet and pass the ball around a bit.
City have had most of the ball, and Gundogan has a brilliant chance to give his side the lead.
The ball was rapped into him, he takes a stunning touch to control it but then fires his volley wide of the goal!
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
16:37 , Sonia Twigg
5 minutes: Another heavy collision! This time it’s Haaland who instigates it, he jumps into Saliba there’s no other way of putting it.
Another free kick, and this could turn into a chaotic clash.
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
16:35 , Sonia Twigg
3 minutes: Rodri has just got up from receiving treatment, but after taking a look at it VAR has decided not to intervene.
The match has resumed.
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
16:34 , Sonia Twigg
1 minute: Almost immediately there’s an incident, where Rodri has gone down just outside the centre circle.
It took place inside the first flour or five seconds, Rodri dropped to the ground holding his head.
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
16:33 , Sonia Twigg
1 minute: Bernardo Silva gets the game underway
Manchester City vs Arsenal
16:28 , Sonia Twigg
The players are coming out of the tunnel onto the pitch and the match is about to get underway.
Blue Moon has been played out, the flags are being wrapped up from the centre circle, and kick off is about to happen.
Manchester City v Arsenal
16:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Kick-off is just a few minutes away now. A reminder of the two starting line-ups:
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Carson, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Nunes, Foden, Lewis, McAtee.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.
Subs: Neto, White, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.
Gary Neville: ‘Arsenal need counter-attacking threat’
16:20 , Lawrence Ostlere
Neville speaking on Sky Sports: “Last season they came here and defended brilliantly and we feel like they’re set up to do that again today. [Thomas] Partey and Declan Rice are so important in making sure they have that shield in front of the back four. But then you need that bit of ruthlessness on the break.”
Mikel Arteta speaks ahead of the clash
16:14 , Sonia Twigg
The Arsenal manager told Sky Sports: “Ready. And we know we are full prepared and looking forward to it. It’s a demanding but an exciting week and we have to enjoy it.
“You have a game plan ready then the opponent does certain things to allow you to play in certain areas that you want, or not. What we do with the ball is very important as well.
“You have to travel together with the ball, be better, be closer to each other, be better in counter press, be better at high press, be dominant in the areas you want and you can create threat to the opposition.
“It was a little bit forced [to drop Ben White and start Riccardo Calafiori], but we are ok. We’ve done it with different players but we have full belief in the players we have. It gives us something different.”
Pep Guardiola speaks to Sky Sports ahead of the match
16:07 , Sonia Twigg
“We are at home, we’ve talked a little bit about some aspects: good transitions, occupying the spaces. Last season we didn’t do that and we will see. They’re not just incredible defensively, they make incredible high pressing, it’s so aggressive.
“[We haven’t just learned] from the two games against Arsenal – all the teams that play in a low block. As much as you play against those opponents, you learn what you have to do.
“What happened in the past [against Arsenal], it’s always an opportunity.
“I think its not a big, big one but [De Bruyne] was not available for today.”
Manchester City vs Arsenal
16:00 , Sonia Twigg
And now here’s a look at the fans arriving at the ground:
Manchester City vs Arsenal
15:45 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some shots of the players arriving at the Etihad Stadium:
Arsenal team news
15:23 , Sonia Twigg
Mikel Arteta has made two changes to the Arsenal squad, as Ben White drops to the bench to allow Riccardo Calafiori the chance to make his full debut.
Leandro Trossard has also been brought in, with Gabriel Jesus dropping to the bench alongside Raheem Sterling, who could feature against his former club.
Arsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.Subs: Neto, White, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.
Man City team news
15:21 , Sonia Twigg
There was a lot of talk in the match build up surrounding Kevin De Bruyne, with City due to make a late call.
That call has been made and there is no place for him in the matchday squad.
Here is the Man City squad: Ederson, Walker (C), Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Nunes, Foden, Lewis, McAtee
Early team news
15:00 , Sonia Twigg
Kevin De Bruyne is a major doubt but has not been ruled out after coming off injured in the 0-0 draw at home to Inter on Wednesday. Phil Foden, who is yet to start a match this season, and Ilkay Gundogan could replace the Belgian. Nathan Ake is injured, while Erling Haaland has the chance to bring up a century of goals in a Manchester City shirt – the striker is currently on 99.
Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard but Declan Rice returns from suspension after missing the win at Tottenham last week. Gabriel Jesus replaced Leandro Trossard in the draw at Atalanta but was unconvincing and Mikel Arteta may opt to return Kai Havertz to the front line. Riccardo Calafiori is fit again but Mikel Merino remains sidelined.
How to watch Manchester City vs Arsenal
14:45 , Sonia Twigg
When is Manchester City vs Arsenal?
The match will kick off at 4:30pm BST today, Sunday 22 September, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with all the build-up following the earlier Premier League match between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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Manchester City vs Arsenal
14:30 , Sonia Twigg
Manchester City host Arsenal in an early meeting of last season’s Premier League title rivals.
City won their fourth consecutive Premier League last campaign but were pushed all the way by the Gunners, who finished just two points behind Pep Guaridola’s side.
Mikel Arteta’s team are looking to go one step better this season and know the head-to-heads could be decisive, even at this very early stage of the title race.
Arsenal held the champions to a 0-0 draw on their last visit to the Etihad, but are winless in their last nine trips to Manchester City – a run that stretches back to 2015.
With City two points clear having won their opening four league games of the season, the hosts have a chance to open up a five-point lead at the top by extending their winning run.
Guardiola on Sterling
14:15 , Sonia Twigg
The City manager faces a reunion with his old assistant, Mikel Arteta, and with Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on deadline day.
Guardiola said he was surprised to see the winger move on loan from Chelsea but felt Arteta had the same reaction after thinking a deal for Sterling was impossible.
The England international was named Footballer of the Year during his time at City, scoring 120 goals for Guardiola.
And the City manager said: “I wish him all the best. All the players that behaved well in this club, helped us to be who we are, where we are. We cannot understand the first years in my tenure at Manchester City without Raheem. He has been so important. I wish him all the best. Of course, I would prefer he doesn’t perform well on Sunday.”
Pep Guardiola issues Kevin De Bruyne injury update ahead of Arsenal clash
14:04 , Sonia Twigg
Kevin de Bruyne will face a late fitness test as Manchester City wait to see if he will be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday.
The midfielder went off at half-time in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Inter Milan with a hamstring problem and while he is making progress, manager Pep Guardiola is not sure if he will be available.
De Bruyne has started all four Premier League games this season for City and was pivotal in their last two wins over Arsenal, scoring three times in the victories that helped decide the title in the 2022-23 season.
And Guardiola said: “He feels a little bit better today but we have not yet had training and we will see. He could be [involved].”
Martin Odegaard latest injury update
13:45 , Sonia Twigg
Arsenal will again be without captain Martin Odegaard, who will be sidelined for the foreseeable future with the ankle injury he suffered on international duty with Norway.
Saka admits the midfielder’s absence is a major loss, but is backing the Gunners to find a way to cope without him.
“Yeah, you know how much I love Martin,” added the 23-year-old.
“He is a world-class player and we are going to miss him.
“We have to adapt. We have strength and players who can also play in his position. We will find a solution until he is back.”
Bukayo Saka adamant Arsenal are going to Manchester City to win
13:30 , Sonia Twigg
England winger Saka says they do not listen to the snipers, insisting: “To be honest, I don’t really care.
“We know what we believed, we know what we went there to achieve. Only we know the real truth. We went there to win and we are going to do that again this Sunday.”
Bukayo Saka adamant Arsenal are going to Manchester City to win
13:15 , Sonia Twigg
Bukayo Saka insists Arsenal will be gunning for victory in Sunday’s blockbuster showdown with Manchester City.
The north Londoners received criticism in some quarters for their defensive approach in last season’s 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a result which ultimately proved costly as the Gunners went on to miss out on the Premier League title to City by two points.
Mikel Arteta’s side were not exactly gung-ho on the attack in their midweek goalless draw at Atalanta in their Champions League opener, either
Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City clash with Arsenal is not title decider
13:00 , Sonia Twigg
City held off Mikel Arteta’s side to win the title by just two points after the race went down to the final game last season.
Yet Guardiola does not even plan to mention the impact a potential victory would have on the league table to his players.
He said: “Why should I tell them when they know? They see the table, they know it. It’s not a motivation to win for five points after five fixtures.
“Just do a good game, do what you have to do.”
City have begun their latest title defence with four wins from four, while Arsenal have collected 10 points.
Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City clash with Arsenal is not title decider
12:45 , Sonia Twigg
Guardiola said: “At an early stage of the season, it is nothing more than the mood for the next games.
“In terms of the table it isn’t very important. It will be important when we go to London in the second part of the season.
“It is so important but in terms of winning or losing the Premier League it’s not. After five games that’s never important.
“But if we don’t think Arsenal, with the quality they have, is important we will be wrong.”
Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City clash with Arsenal is not title decider
12:31 , Sonia Twigg
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is not viewing Sunday’s clash with Arsenal as the chance to lay down an early marker in the title race.
The champions have the chance to open up a five-point lead over the Gunners, their closest challengers in the past two seasons, with victory in their Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
Yet Guardiola feels it is too soon to be drawing any long-term conclusions from the game and is more concerned about setting the tone for City’s campaign.
Man City, Arsenal and the key change to modern-day Premier League title fights
12:31 , Sonia Twigg
Fresh from a midweek 0-0 draw apiece comes a clash of two clubs whose last meeting finished goalless. It wasn’t always the case when Manchester City faced Arsenal. The problem for the Londoners, however, was that Pep Guardiola’s team scored the vast majority of the goals. Two seasons ago, matches that shaped the title race finished 3-0 and 4-1 to City. Last season, however, matches billed as title deciders ended 1-0 to Arsenal and 0-0. City nevertheless retained their crown.
But if Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool leaves Mikel Arteta entrenched as Guardiola’s biggest remaining rival, there may have been a transformation in the showpiece occasions. They have been stripped of some of the excitement. Klopp’s duel with Guardiola was compelling in part because it contained so many goals: they were more likely to draw 2-2 than 0-0 and spectacular scorelines included 5-0, 4-0, 4-1, 4-3 and 3-2. Some came with Arteta by Guardiola’s side; now they are in neighbouring dugouts and opposing camps. Allies turned adversaries, the purists have started to show a puritanical streak.
Man City, Arsenal and the key change to modern-day Premier League title fights
Man City vs Arsenal
12:30 , Sonia Twigg
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Man City against Arsenal, as the Gunners look to lay down an early marker in their title challenge.
While Man City will want to avoid any blip on their so-far flawless start to the season.
We will be bringing you all the build up, latest team news and live coverage of the match.
