The Premier League title is on the line as Manchester City host leaders Arsenal in what could be an epic showdown at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola warned that the title race would be “over” if City lose to Arsenal and the Gunners take a nine-point lead at the top of the table. But a victory for City would put the title race in their hands, cutting the gap to three points with a game in hand to come.
Arsenal are bidding to end their 22-year wait to win the Premier League and Mikel Arteta wants his players to be “fired up” for the challenge of ending their Etihad hoodoo, having failed to win at Manchester City in their last 11 attempts.
And a colossal test comes as Arsenal have wobbled in recent weeks, following their Carabao Cup final defeat to City last month and a shock loss at home to Bournemouth last weekend that set the stage for this afternoon’s title decider.
Follow live updates from Man City v Arsenal, below
Read MoreMost fans want Man City to beat Arsenal to the title. Why?
Mikel Arteta has Arsenal ‘fired up’ to beat Man City - but there’s a twist
Arsenal are blocking out the ‘noise’ – but what if the ‘worst’ actually happens?
Man City v Arsenal LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Man City host Arsenal in Premier League title showdown | Live on Sky Sports
- 18' GOAL! Disaster from Donnarumma as Havertz pounces [MCI 1-1 ARS]
- 16' GOAL! Sublime from Cherki as he cuts through Arsenal [MCI 1-0 ARS]
- 5' OFF THE POST! Cherki effort comes back off woodwork [MCI 0-0 ARS]
- Man City can cut Arsenal's lead to three points with a game in hand to come
WATCH: Havertz levels for Arsenal
17:01 , Chris Wilson"WOAHHHHH!!" 🤯
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Kai Havertz pulls Arsenal level in chaotic fashion! pic.twitter.com/A4ZjjDF921
WATCH: Cherki gives City the lead
17:00 , Chris WilsonRayan Cherki doing his thing 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/VsOlkpjcnu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Man City 1-1 Arsenal
16:59 , Chris Wilson26 mins
It’s settled down after those moments of madness. City do work a good move, with Guehi moving it to O’Reilly and the defender threading it to Doku, but Haaland scuffs his chance from the Belgian’s cutback.
Man City 1-1 Arsenal
16:56 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Half-chances for both sides since the second goal, though there was too much on the final pass on both occasions.
City are ooking the better of the two sides in possession, and Doku is giving Mosquera a difficult time out there at the moment.
Huge mistake from Donnarumma
16:53 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe thoughts of Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Etihad this afternoon...
“That mistake by Donnarumma takes us back to last summer, to the debates if he wasn't good enough with the ball at his feet to be a Guardiola goalkeeper and the comparisons with Ederson.”
Man City 1-1 Arsenal
16:52 , Chris Wilson20 mins
A chance on the counter for City but Haaland tries to slide in the pass to Semenyo and he puts too much on it.
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Arsenal (Havertz, 18')
16:51 , Chris Wilson18 mins
GOAL! Oh my word, what a mistake from Donnarumma!
Arsenal have an equaliser after less than two minutes!
It all comes from a moment of craziness from Donnarumma, who hesitates on a clearance from the byline, Havertz closes him down and the ball deflects off the German and into the back of the net!
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Arsenal (Cherki, 16')
16:49 , Chris Wilson16 mins
GOAL! City are ahead courtesy of a brilliant goal from Rayan Cherki!
The Frenchman collects the ball outside the area and races into the box, skipping past a challenge from Gabriel and avoiding Rice before squeezing a low finish past Raya for 1-0!
Superb feet and a brilliant goal to open the scoring.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:45 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Arsenal have grown into the game in attack, though another clipped through ball is out for a goal kick.
Neither side is dominating possession but the Gunners seem to be over the early shaky period for now.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:42 , Chris Wilson10 mins
First flashes from the Arsenal attack as Odegaard threads in a great through ball to Havertz, though he’s closed down and his shot is out for a corner.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Nice combinations from Haaland, Cherki and Semenyo but the eventual cross flies out of play for a goal kick.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Chris Wilson7 mins
A couple of efforts from Arsenal from a corner as City show their first shaky moment in possession, but the header is wide as Zubimendi nodded it on.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe thoughts of Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Etihad this afternoon...
“Early signs City are following the same pressing scheme that worked well in the Carabao Cup final, with their front four against Arsenal's back four.”
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:37 , Chris Wilson5 mins
OFF THE POST! What a chance for City!
Raya makes a low save from Haaland and the rebound falls to Cherki. He fires towards goal and it takes a deflection off Gabriel and rebounds off the inside of the post and back into the grateful grasp of Raya!
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:36 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Almost a huge mistake from the visitors! They try and play it out from the back and Raya almost allows Haaland to close him down, but the clearance deflects off the striker and goes out for a throw.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal
16:34 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Plenty of full-blooded challenges going in early on as both sides fight for control. Neither side has settled in possession early on.
KICK-OFF! Man City v Arsenal
16:31 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Etihad! A season-defining game to come in sunny Manchester.
Man City v Arsenal LIVE
16:29 , Chris WilsonA quick reminder ofthe two teams ahead of kick-off:
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
Arsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz.
Man City v Arsenal LIVE
16:26 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at the Etihad, so we’ll be underway soon!
What does this afternoon have in store for both sides?
Man City v Arsenal LIVE
16:22 , Chris Wilson
Silva: 'We have a great opportunity'
16:18 , Chris WilsonBernardo Silva says he is “very hungry” to finish with one last title at Manchester City before he leaves at the end of the season.
“I think what’s more important is that we have a great opportunity to win the football match, which puts us in a very good position to win this title. We’re definitely going to go for it.
He says that his side needs to be “altogether, stay calm, play football and be aggressive” today.
Has Arteta changed tack?
16:15 , Chris WilsonIt’s certainly an interesting selection in attack from Mikel Arteta, with Ebere Eze moving to the wing and Martin Odegaard back in the side and tasked with being his side’s main creator.
The Gunners could certainly benefit from the creativity offered by that duo, and it suggests Arteta’s side are set up to attack more than most would have guessed.
As for Kai Havertz, he missed a huge chance at the start of the Carabao Cup final that would undoubtedly have changed the game – can he make up for that this afternoon?
Raya: 'We came here to get the win'
16:12 , Chris Wilson“We try and approach it as a normal game, we know how much is at stake, but we’re looking forward to being out there,” says David Raya ahead of kick-off.
“We go out there to try and get the three points, we’re going to be there to try and win the game. We came here to get the win,” he added.
Man City v Arsenal: Recent head-to-head record
16:09 , Chris WilsonRecent form is in Arsenal’s favour, if you look beyond the Carabao Cup final, but Man City hold a formidable home record against the Gunners.
Since the start of 2023, City have won just once in seven games against the Gunners, though they had won eight in a row before that point.
Arteta has not won at the Etihad as a manager, and the last away win for Arsenal in this contest was back in January 2015.
06 Aug 2023 Arsenal v Manchester City L 1-1 FA Community Shield
08 Oct 2023 Arsenal v Manchester City L 1-0 Premier League
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22 Sep 2024 Manchester City v Arsenal D 2-2 Premier League
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21 Sep 2025 Arsenal v Manchester City D 1-1 Premier League
22 Mar 2026 Arsenal v Manchester City W 0-2 League Cup
Premier League title race: Do Arsenal or Man City have the easier run-in?
16:04 , Chris WilsonThe Premier League is building towards another thrilling run-in, as Arsenal and Manchester City face off in the title race.
After three second-place finishes in a row, Arsenal are bidding to finally end their 22-year wait for a league title under Mikel Arteta.
But they are once again facing competition from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who denied them in both 2023 and 2024.
Premier League title race: Do Arsenal or Man City have the easier run-in?
Man City and Arsenal players inspect Etihad Stadium pitch
15:59 , Jack Rathborn
Last time out: Arsenal 0-2 Man City, Carabao Cup final
15:54 , Chris WilsonThese two sides last met under a month ago in what was the first cup final of the season, as both contested the Carabao Cup final.
Arsenal entered as favourites as they chased an unprecedented quadruple, but the dream quickly unravelled with a poor performance at Wembley.
The Gunners were once again ineffective in attack, while City grew into the game and a four-minute brace from Nico O’Reilly eventually decided the game, with the full-back scoring two headers in the 60th and 64th minute to wrap up an impressive win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Will that win give City the belief they need in today’s game at the Etihad?
Match stats
15:47 , Chris WilsonCity are unbeaten in their last 14 league games at home since losing 2-0 to Spurs at the beginning of the season. The Cityzens have scored at least twice in 12 of those games.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have lost each of their last three games in domestic competition, losing 2-1 to Bournemouth in the league last time out and exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Southampton – in addition to losing the Carabao Cup to City in late March.
Man City fans greet team bus before huge title race clash
15:43 , Jack Rathborn
Why Arsenal’s title race advantage means nothing in the era of Pep Guardiola’s Man City
15:40 , Miguel DelaneyPep Guardiola has a habit of describing games as a final. A game billed as a title decider has a finality for one of the participants, he thinks. “If we lose, it’s over,” he said. Although, of course, some people thought the title was all over quite some time ago.
Arsenal’s lead was nine points a week ago. It could be wiped out by Wednesday evening. Manchester City have been the pursuers Arsenal could not shake off; or did not, anyway. Guardiola has caught them in the run-in before and has long spied the opportunity to do so again. “Months ago, because we dropped points in moments where we thought we would not, I saw the calendar and said when Arsenal come at home it can be the chance if we are not 20 points behind,” he said. “Six points is not a short distance but we have the chance to do it.”
Why Arsenal’s title race advantage means nothing in Guardiola’s Man City era
Arsenal team news
15:30 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made two key changes to the side that drew to Sporting in midweek.
Both are in attack, with Martin Odegaard replacing Gabriel Martinelli, with Ebere Eze presumably moving into a left-wing position.
Meanwhile at striker, Kai Havertz replaces Viktor Gyokeres.
Man City team news
15:25 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has named the exact same starting XI as he did for the win over Chelsea last week.
Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku continue on the wings, while Rayan Cherki is handed another start in attacking midfield.
Nico O’Reilly starts at left-back again and will hope to repeat his heroics from the Carabao Cup final.
'The more interesting teamsheet is Arsenal's'
15:21 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest thoughts of Richard Jolly, who is in place at the Etihad ahead of the game...
“Pep Guardiola is often accused overthinking things in big matches but he names exactly the side that was expected; unsurprising, given that it is based on the Carabao Cup final line-up.
“So perhaps the more interesting teamsheet is Arsenal's, with Kai Havertz in attack instead of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard fit to start and Eberechi Eze starting, seemingly on the left wing.”
Arsenal line-up
15:17 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz.
Subs: Kepa, White, Jesus, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Norgaard, Trossard, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.
Your Gunners.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 19, 2026
🤝 Presented by @deel
Man City line-up
15:15 , Chris WilsonMan City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden
Your City side to face Arsenal 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 19, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/iXWDWLjTWc
Team news
15:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups for both sides should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the team news for both clubs...
Pep Guardiola said Nico O’Reilly is “fine” after the full-back was brought off during last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea, but Ruben Dias remains out and Josko Gvardiol is still sidelined. City could therefore name an unchanged team from the win at Stamford Bridge, and just two changes from the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last month with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi coming into that side.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is “hopeful” winger Noni Madueke could be fit and added that Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori could be “quite close” to a return. Bukayo Saka has been ruled out, however, with Mikel Merino still unavailable. Pictures have showed that Odegaard and Madueke are with the Arsenal squad.
Mikel Arteta has Arsenal ‘fired up’ to beat Man City - but there’s a twist
15:00 , Miguel DelaneyWhile the Manchester City squad have been full of exuberance in the exact way you want for such a week, it hasn’t been so free and easy at Arsenal. They had a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final against Sporting, for one.
Some on the Arsenal side felt there was a typical edge to Pep Guardiola’s words on Sunday, when he mentioned how European elimination has freshened City’s preparations. Such comments are all the more conspicuous given how it was a new Guardiola gameplan that won the Carabao Cup final, that has only fed into all of this noise around Arsenal.
There has long been a concern that some of Mikel Arteta’s players are too conscious of that noise. It adds to the weight of everything, and the sense of a team toiling through mental and physical fatigue.
Mikel Arteta has Arsenal ‘fired up’ to beat Man City - but there’s a twist
When is Manchester City v Arsenal?
14:50 , Chris WilsonKick-off is at 4:30pm on Sunday 19 April at the Etihad.
How can I watch it?
Manchester City v Arsenal will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with build-up from 4:00pm
What have the managers said?
14:42 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta: “"There are six games to go. It is a really important one for both teams and it will incline the balance a little bit. We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. With the possibility to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen.
"That is a huge privilege. We cannot wait to play the game and we are going to prepare to win. We see it as a big opportunity for us. Our team has to give every tool to go and win it. We have a strong opponent in front us. We know what we have to do.”
What have the managers said?
14:35 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola: ”If we lose, it is over. The other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn't beat Bournemouth - we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, especially in our calendar. Everton away, Bournemouth away, Aston Villa the last game at home. Crystal Palace and Brentford. There are still many things to do."
“They are so strong in all departments. That’s why they are where they are, top of the Premier League and semi-finals of the Champions League. All season they have been top. That’s why I’m proud to be challenging them.
“The Carabao Cup we won, the FA Cup we’re in the semi-finals, and here we are. It depends on how we perform. We have to do a perfect, a top, top level performance to beat Arsenal. I know Mikel, they are going to change something.”
Man City fans troll Arsenal fans with bottles at Etihad Stadium
14:34 , Jack Rathborn
Mikel Arteta offers Arsenal injury updates on Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Jurrien Timber and more
14:28 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will not be available to face Manchester City but revealed that Noni Madueke could be fit.
Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have not been ruled out yet with Arteta facing several selection issues ahead of the title showdown.
The Premier League leaders are six points clear of Manchester City and would take a huge step towards a first title in 22 years with victory at the Etihad.
Mikel Arteta offers Arsenal injury updates on Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and more
Nico O’Reilly injury latest as Pep Guardiola issues update on Man City full-back
14:21 , Chris WilsonManchester City’s Nico O’Reilly is “fine” and will be available to face Arsenal on Sunday, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The 21-year-old has scored three goals in his last three appearances for City, including a double in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last month and the opening goal in the 3-0 win at Chelsea last weekend.
However, O’Reilly was forced off on 63 minutes against Chelsea after appearing to hold his hamstring. He chatted and laughed with Guardiola before heading down the tunnel, although he returned to the pitch at full-time to celebrate victory in front of the away supporters.
Nico O’Reilly injury latest as Pep Guardiola issues update on Man City full-back
Possible Man City v Arsenal line-ups
14:16 , Chris WilsonMan City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard
What is the Arsenal team news?
14:11 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s the Arsenal news...
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is “hopeful” winger Noni Madueke could be fit and added that Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori could be “quite close” to a return. Bukayo Saka has been ruled out, however, with Mikel Merino still unavailable.
What is the Man City team news?
14:07 , Chris WilsonJust over a couple of hours until kick-off now, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for City...
Pep Guardiola said Nico O’Reilly is “fine” after the full-back was brought off during last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea, but Ruben Dias remains out and Josko Gvardiol is still sidelined. City could therefore name an unchanged team from the win at Stamford Bridge, and just two changes from the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last month with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi coming into that side.
Declan Rice issues rallying cry for Arsenal’s ‘title-defining’ clash with Man City
14:00 , Chris WilsonDeclan Rice has issued a rallying cry for Arsenal to significantly improve their performance ahead of Sunday’s pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester City, a match he has branded "title-defining".
The midfielder also vowed to erase the "hurt" of last month’s Carabao Cup final defeat.
The Gunners are set to face City in a monumental top-of-the-table encounter at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side currently hold a six-point advantage over their rivals, though City, buoyed by an impressive 3-0 victory over Chelsea, have a game in hand.
Arsenal’s recent form has been less convincing, including a disappointing loss to Bournemouth and only one win in their last five outings.
Declan Rice issues rallying cry for Arsenal’s ‘title-defining’ clash with Man City
Premier League fixtures
13:45 , Chris WilsonThough the crunch game at the top of the table will take all the headlines, it’s one of two huge games in the Premeir League today, with Everton hosting Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
It’s the first derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and you can follow all the latest action in our dedicated live blog here.
Elsewhere, there’s a big clash at the bottom of the table as Nottingham Forest take on Burnley, while Aston Villa host Sunderland, with both of those also kicking off at 2pm BST.
Pep Guardiola warns Man City’s title dream will be over if they lose to Arsenal
13:30 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City’s Premier League title aspirations will be over should they suffer defeat against Arsenal in Sunday’s pivotal encounter between the league’s top two sides.
Arsenal’s nine-point advantage was trimmed to six last weekend after their unexpected home loss to Bournemouth, followed by City’s emphatic victory at Chelsea. Crucially, Guardiola’s team also holds a game in hand.
City previously overcame Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month, though Guardiola stressed that the Gunners, who have reached the Champions League semi-finals without a single defeat, cannot be underestimated.
Pep Guardiola warns Man City’s title dream will be over if they lose to Arsenal
Most fans want Man City to beat Arsenal to the title. Why?
13:15 , Miguel DelaneyManchester City have won six of the last eight Premier League titles and have become, for some, the ‘default champions’. But what does it say about the modern game that many neutrals would prefer to see a ‘sportswashing project’ edge out Mikel Arteta’s team in the title race?
Most fans want Man City to beat Arsenal to the title. Why?
Match stats
13:00 , Chris WilsonCity are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League home matches against Arsenal, since a 2-0 loss in 2015.
However, the Gunners are also unbeaten in their last five league games against City.
Previous meetings: Arsenal 1-1 Man City, September 2025
12:45 , Chris WilsonThe first game between these two sides this season was a strange affair for several reasons, not least because Pep Guardiola seemed to abandon his usual tactics after an early goal from Erling Haaland had given his side a lead within 10 minutes.
City were happy to sit back for much of the rest of the match and it almost paid off too, but for a late equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian lifted an accomplish finish over Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure a point in the 93rd minute, and you get the sense Arsenal would take a similar result this afternoon.
Part of me leaves with Bernardo Silva – Pep Guardiola
12:30 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola admitted “part of myself is leaving” with Bernardo Silva as the Manchester City manager urged his side to give the outgoing Portugal playmaker the perfect send-off.
The City captain ended speculation about his future on Thursday by revealing he will depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires following a trophy-laden nine years in the north-west.
Guardiola hopes Silva can add a couple of pieces of silverware to the 19 honours he has already won before he exits, with City aiming to bag the Premier League and FA Cup to complete a domestic treble.
Part of me leaves with Bernardo Silva – Pep Guardiola
Captain Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City: ‘Thank you for letting me be part of this journey’
12:15 , Chris WilsonBernardo Silva will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, he and the club confirmed on Thursday.
The midfielder spent nine years at City and had long been expected to move on when his contract expires in the summer.
He released a statement on his social media pages, reading: “When I arrived nine years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things. This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for.”
Captain Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City: ‘Every good story comes to an end’
Mikel Arteta vows Arsenal will play to win against Man City
12:02 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has unequivocally stated that playing for a draw in Arsenal’s crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester City on Sunday has not crossed his mind "for one second".
The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium holding a six-point advantage over Pep Guardiola’s side, with avoiding defeat potentially pivotal in their pursuit of a first league title in 22 years.
Despite the high stakes, Arteta remained resolute in his pre-match press conference.
"I’m not going to spend one second talking about that," he declared when asked about a defensive approach. "We prepare every game to win. That’s why we are where we are and we’re going to continue to do the same."
Mikel Arteta vows Arsenal will play to win against Man City
Erling Haaland underlines what will decide Man City and Arsenal’s title battle
11:45 , Jack RathbornErling Haaland believes the key to Manchester City’s title decider with Arsenal lies in the mind and said it is vital not to overthink things.
He explained: “I have always said that you need to take care of your body. But for me, the mind and being in a good state of mind is really important. Now, it is a huge game coming up.
“You should stay calm in your head and don’t think of too much, because that’s the worst thing that can happen. How I prepare? It’s to train good, it’s to prepare well tactically with the team and it's to try to be free in your mind. Don’t think too much, don’t overthink too much, think positively and try to get ready for the game mentally and physically.”
Man City v Arsenal latest odds
11:30 , Jack RathbornMan City 20/23
Draw 5/2
Arsenal 3/1
Odds via Betfair
The last time Arsenal won at Man City
11:15 , Jack RathbornThe last time Arsenal beat Man City at the Etihad Stadium was under Arsene Wenger in January 2015.
A first-half penalty from Santi Cazorla was backed up by Olivier Giroud in the second half.
Of course, a point would represent a good result for Mikel Arteta’s side today, but a win might just clinch the title, extending the lead to nine points with City only having six games remaining.
Man City v Arsenal: Recent head-to-head record
11:00 , Jack RathbornRecent form is in Arsenal’s favour, if you look beyond the Carabao Cup final, but Man City hold a formidable home record against the Gunners.
Since the start of 2023, City have won just once in seven games against the Gunners, though they had won eight in a row before that point.
Arteta has not won at the Etihad as a manager, and the last away win for Arsenal in this contest was back in January 2015.
06 Aug 2023Arsenal v Manchester CityL1-1FA Community Shield
08 Oct 2023Arsenal v Manchester CityL1-0Premier League
31 Mar 2024Manchester City v ArsenalD0-0Premier League
22 Sep 2024Manchester City v ArsenalD2-2Premier League
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Why Arsenal’s title race advantage means nothing in the era of Pep Guardiola’s Man City
10:50 , Jack RathbornPep Guardiola has a habit of describing games as a final. A game billed as a title decider has a finality for one of the participants, he thinks. “If we lose, it’s over,” he said. Although, of course, some people thought the title was all over quite some time ago.
Arsenal’s lead was nine points a week ago. It could be wiped out by Wednesday evening. Manchester City have been the pursuers Arsenal could not shake off; or did not, anyway. Guardiola has caught them in the run-in before and has long spied the opportunity to do so again. “Months ago, because we dropped points in moments where we thought we would not, I saw the calendar and said when Arsenal come at home it can be the chance if we are not 20 points behind,” he said. “Six points is not a short distance but we have the chance to do it.”
Why Arsenal’s title race advantage means nothing in Guardiola’s Man City era
How will Arsenal approach decisive clash with Man City?
10:40 , Jack RathbornMikel Arteta’s side squeezed through midweek to the Champions League semi-finals, but their grip on top spot in the Premier League has loosened in recent weeks.
There is still a six-point lead currently, but City hold a game in hand, meaning a point could prove vital with just five games remaining for the Gunners after today.
But Arteta is not focusing on the value of a point:
"I’m not going to spend one second talking about that," he declared when asked about a defensive approach. "We prepare every game to win. That’s why we are where we are and we’re going to continue to do the same."
He added, "we have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging for the title, and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen. That’s a huge privilege, and we can’t wait to play, and we’re going to prepare the game to win it, that’s for sure."
Man City v Arsenal team news
10:37 , Jack RathbornPep Guardiola said Nico O’Reilly is “fine” after the full-back was brought off during last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea, but Ruben Dias remains out and Josko Gvardiol is still sidelined. City could therefore name an unchanged team from the win at Stamford Bridge, and just two changes from the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last month with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi coming into that side.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is “hopeful” winger Noni Madueke could be fit and added that Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori could be “quite close” to a return. Bukayo Saka has been ruled out, however, with Mikel Merino still unavailable.
Man City v Arsenal
09:43 , Jack RathbornGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Man City v Arsenal.
We’ll bring build-up, analysis and the latest updates from the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola bidding to inflict another blow on Mikel Arteta’s side, who are scrambling after defeat to Bournemouth last week.
And victory for the Cityzens could narrow the gap to just three points, with City still holding a game in hand, set to be played against Burnley next Wednesday.
Stick with us for team news, while Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly will provide analysis from the stadium later on.