Arsenal host Manchester City in a massive Premier League clash which could determine whether they can compete for the title this season.
Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday saw Arne Slot’s men open a nine-point lead over the Gunners who must defeat Pep Guardiola’s team this afternoon to ensure they keep up the pace with the league leaders. Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 1-0 over Wolves in a controversial outing last time out but face one of the tougher tests of the season today.
City are starting to regain their impressive form following back-to-back victories in the league. A 6-0 mauling of Ipswich was followed by 3-1 win over Chelsea and Guardiola’s men were also victorious in the Champions League and qualified for the play-off rounds. That gives them a bit of momentum heading into the match though both clubs are finely balanced.
Follow all the updates from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
- Arsenal host Man City in Premier League | LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Football
- The Gunners trail Liverpool by nine points and cannot afford to lose
- 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 XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli
- Man City XI: Ortega, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Marmoush, Foden, Haaland
Arsenal FC 1 - 0 Manchester City FC
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
17:05
,
Chris Wilson
35 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
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Chris Wilson
33 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 Wilson
30 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 Wilson
26 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
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Miguel Delaney, at the Emirates
A 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 Wilson
25 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
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Chris Wilson
23 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
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Chris Wilson
23 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
16:52
21 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 Wilson
18 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 Wilson
17 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 Wilson
15 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 Wilson
13 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
16:42
11 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
16:39
8 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
16:37
6 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
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Chris Wilson
2 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
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Chris Wilson
1 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 Wilson
The visitors get us underway in north London.
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
16:26
,
Chris Wilson
Both sides are in the tunnel at the Emirates now, so we’ll be underway soon.
Arsenal vs Man City LIVE
16:20
,
Chris Wilson
A 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 Wilson
Arsenal 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 Wilson
If 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.
Previous meetings: City 2-2 Arsenal
16:05
,
Chris Wilson
As 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
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Chris Wilson
Arsenal 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.
Pep Guardiola ‘not complaining’ about Manchester City’s tough run of fixtures
15:55
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Chris Wilson
Pep 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.
Head-to-head
15:50
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Chris Wilson
Today 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
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Chris Wilson
Pep 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.
Previous meetings: City 4-1 Arsenal
15:40
,
Chris Wilson
When 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 Wilson
It 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.
Why Arsenal vs Man City is the Premier League’s most bitter rivalry
15:30
,
Mike Jones
If 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 line-up to face Man City
15:17
,
Mike Jones
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli
⚪️
— 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 Jones
Man 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 Wilson
The 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 Wilson
Arsenal 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
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Chris Wilson
Pep 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.
Mikel Arteta says he has moved on from Erling Haaland dispute
14:42
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Chris Wilson
Mikel 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.
Match facts
14:35
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Chris Wilson
Manchester 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
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Chris Wilson
On 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.
Arsenal battling Man Utd for Mathys Tel but face one stumbling block for Bayern star
14:20
,
Chris Wilson
Arsenal 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.
Prediction
14:10
,
Chris Wilson
This 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 Wilson
Arsenal: 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 Wilson
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.
Team news
13:55
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Is Arsenal v City on TV?
13:50
,
Chris Wilson
When 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.
13:40
,
Chris Wilson
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 Wilson
Good 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.