Man City vs Arsenal LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates today

Man City vs Arsenal LIVE!

Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal drew 0-0 on Sunday to leave Liverpool out in front at the top of the standings.

In a game of few chances at Etihad Stadium, defending champions City came closest to finding a winner when Nathan Ake headed straight at goalkeeper David Raya from a corner.

The goalless draw ended City's run of scoring in their last 57 home games.

Liverpool's 2-1 win against Brighton earlier in the day means they now stand two points clear of second-place Arsenal, with City a point further back in third.

Man City vs Arsenal highlights

• Player ratings: How we scored the Arsenal stars

• Man City team news: De Bruyne in, Ederson out

• Arsenal team news: Saka and Jesus start but no Martinelli

All square at the Etihad

18:59 , Marc Mayo

A goalless draw between Arsenal and Manchester City answered very few questions about the destination of this year’s Premier League title.

Thanks for joining us!

Recap the action with our match report!

Bulletproof Arsenal defending ends Etihad curse

18:54 , Marc Mayo

Simon’s analysis is in with a focus on Arsenal’s superb defending, keeping Erling Haaland quiet and Gabriel Jesus’ surprise role.

Read the full story!

Reaction from Arsenal players

18:42 , Marc Mayo

Martin Odegaard tells Sky Sports: “We wanted three points and tried our best to get a win, it wasn’t enough but we’ll take a point and move on.

“We had to defend a lot, more deep than we planned. We were dangerous in certain moments on the counter and we managed to keep the ball a bit.

“We could have won it but it was a tight game, a tough one.

“There’s a long way to go, so much can happen and we have to take it game by game.”

William Saliba adds that the team are “not satisfied” with a draw but nonetheless overall still “happy”.

Arsenal player ratings

18:34 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel 8 | Star player

Had a great battle with Erling Haaland and was able to match his physicality. Made countless blocks and tackles. A warrior at the back.

Read the full Arsenal player ratings!

Some afters on the pitch

18:27 , Marc Mayo

Pep Guardiola is getting right stuck in between Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland, perhaps after the Norwegian’s tumble in the box which upset the Gunners defender.

It’s all hugs at the end as both sets of players applaud their fans.

Full time!

18:25 , Marc Mayo

Goalless at the Etihad.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 90+3 mins

18:22 , Marc Mayo

Wayward header by Erling Haaland and Arsenal hoof clear.

It will come back at them...

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 90+1 mins

18:21 , Marc Mayo

Erling Haaland is back up and tumbles under pressure from a cross, but nothing doing despite City appeals.

Jeremy Doku then wins a corner and Gabriel Magalhaes has words for Haaland!

The ball in comes to nothing.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 90 mins

18:20 , Marc Mayo

Five added minutes.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 88 mins

18:17 , Marc Mayo

Man City go short from a corner and Erling Haaland is left in a heap after a sturdy headed clearance also took a lump off his forehead.

Arsenal then win a free-kick and are closing in on a point at the Etihad.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 86 mins

18:17 , Marc Mayo

Leandro Trossard sparks an Arsenal break and can only shoot straight at the keeper.

City come back into the space and William Saliba clears the cross.

Arsenal’s defending has been tip-top, so far.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 84 mins

18:16 , Marc Mayo

Takehiro Tomiyasu fails to wrap his foot around a clearance and concedes a corner.

Kevin De Bruyne fires in an out-swinger and is flicked towards Erling Haaland... but he pulls out of it!

Was he worried about getting cleaned out by the goalkeeper?! Mystifying.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 82 mins

18:11 , Marc Mayo

It’s not been Jeremy Doku’s game since coming on... a wayward shot well over the bar earlier on is followed by a weak attempt to cut a deep cross goalwards a moment ago. Also off target.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 80 mins

18:10 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Martinelli into the thick of things with a blocked shot. Arsenal then win a corner.

Can they nick this late on?

Declan Rice’s delivery is headed back to him, then the second headed away from goal.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 78 mins

18:08 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Martinelli on for Bukayo Saka, who has just been receiving treatment.

The England winger hasn’t looked fit all game, in honesty.

David Raya is booked for a slow restart.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 76 mins

18:05 , Marc Mayo

Decent opening as Kevin De Bruyne nicks the ball off Bukayo Saka and his low cross is hacked clear.

City win a corner and continue to ramp up the pressure.

David Raya claims it at the second attempt.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 74 mins

18:03 , Marc Mayo

Rare Arsenal chance to threaten the City goal yet Declan Rice’s corner is easily cleared at the near post.

The clock is ticking on this one...

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 72 mins

18:01 , Marc Mayo

Bernardo Silva takes advantage of the referee’s lax attitude towards cards by avoiding one for a pretty rough lunge on Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal make a change as Gabriel Jesus, who’s had chances but not done great with them, comes off for Leandro Trossard.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 71 mins

18:00 , Marc Mayo

The Gunners have enjoyed just 25 per cent of possession this half, exactly the same as the first period.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad:

Tomiyasu on as soon as Guardiola brought on Doku. No surprises there.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 67 mins

17:56 , Marc Mayo

A big cheer from the City fans! After a long wait, a first yellow card is dished out and it’s to Gabriel Jesus for some pettiness in holding up a free-kick being taken.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 66 mins

17:55 , Marc Mayo

City once again come away from an attack empty-handed and Arsenal make their changes.

Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho depart for Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey, so two like-for-like swaps.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 65 mins

17:54 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta responds by summoning Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey from his bench.

First though, a free-kick wide on the left which Kevin De Bruyne will take. Well cleared.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 61 mins

17:50 , Marc Mayo

Nothing doing from the City free-kick and we have a double change from Pep Guardiola.

Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic off for Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 60 mins

17:49 , Marc Mayo

Back towards the pattern of the first half as the home team set up siege around the Gunners box.

Rodri sees a shot blocked before Martin Odegaard topples Phil Foden 30 yards out.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 57 mins

17:46 , Marc Mayo

The crowd has certainly picked up since the break and Man City win a corner down their right wing.

Nodded out by Ben White at the near post.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 54 mins

17:45 , Marc Mayo

Most of the Man City ire here is aimed at Anthony Taylor who is rigidly sticking to his script of not dishing out cards for each and every foul. At least it’s consistent...

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad:

Arsenal playing with a bit more intent this half. Mikel Arteta has taken the handbrake off a bit.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 52 mins

17:42 , Marc Mayo

CHANCE!

Bukayo Saka escapes into the box and rolls the ball on a plate for Gabriel Jesus... but he can’t convert at the far post!

An expert bump from Manuel Akanji disrupted the Brazilian as he charged in.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 50 mins

17:39 , Marc Mayo

A little bit more fire and fury about this half, from both teams.

This game needs a rocket up its backside.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 47 mins

17:36 , Marc Mayo

A bit of space for City to press into early in the half but Arsenal are quickly bad in numbers.

Mateo Kovacic fancies it from range and his shot isn’t far wide!

Man City vs Arsenal | Kick-off!

17:35 , Marc Mayo

No changes at the break from either sides.

Second-half up next!

17:32 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

That was far from a classic of a first-half for Arsenal, but crucially they are in the game.

After 4-1 and 5-0 losses on their last two visits here in the league, you can understand this approach.

Arsenal have 'parked the bus'

17:31 , Marc Mayo

That’s the view of Peter Schmeichel at the break on BBC 5 Live.

Man City have enjoyed 73 per cent of possession but both sit on four shots and one of target.

Which manager will be the happier at the break?

17:23 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta may feel his side are creating chances on the break but they are largely reliant on City errors to generate those moments.

That’s not a tactic you can expect to last for very long and Arsenal have struggled to get a foot on the ball, particularly in their own half.

City, meanwhile, just look a little sluggish.

Pep Guardiola will certainly be expecting to see more from his players after the break.

Half-time!

17:18 , Marc Mayo

All the big-game build-up and a first half with very little to get excited about.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 45 mins

17:16 , Marc Mayo

Phil Foden’s low shot from range is repelled by a block and Arsenal get the decision for a foul on Martin Odegaard.

The board goes up for two additional minutes.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 42 mins

17:14 , Marc Mayo

We are drifting gently towards the half-time break but Manuel Akanji’s header back to his goalkeeper was a bit wayward and Arsenal have a corner... cleared.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 40 mins

17:11 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

Arsenal been shrewd and clever with their fouls to avoid any yellow cards. Perhaps they did learn from Porto after all?

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 38 mins

17:09 , Marc Mayo

Strong pressure from Jakub Kiwior and Gabriel Magalhaes prevents Erling Haaland from getting a solid header goalwards, and his effort flashes well wide.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 35 mins

17:06 , Marc Mayo

Again, Arsenal look threatening after a Mateo Kovacic mistake but Gabriel Jesus doesn’t look comfortable firing off a shot and it’s blocked when he finally does.

The sight of a striker out of form, perhaps? This is his first start since the end of January...

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 31 mins

17:03 , Marc Mayo

WIDE!

Superb break from Arsenal led by Ben White and he clips a cross to the far post, where Jakub Kiwior smartly lays it off to Gabriel Jesus.

He perhaps tries to dance around his marker a little too much before slashing a low shot past the post.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 28 mins

17:00 , Marc Mayo

Man City fans demand a booking as Gabriel Magalhaes goes through the back of Kevin De Bruyne.

It’s not clear-cut, Anthony Taylor certainly could give it though, but chooses not to.

Moments later, he asks for calm again as Jakub Kiwior bundles Bernardo Silva over.

You sense the first Arsenal booking will be met with a big, ironic cheer from the home faithful...

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 26 mins

16:57 , Marc Mayo

Mighty tackle by Declan Rice sends Arsenal into a counter and Martin Odegaard combines with Gabriel Jesus to send Kai Havertz into the box...

Stefan Ortega out first and he gets a thump from Havertz’s knee for his troubles.

Early injury trouble for City too, Nathan Ake is having to come off. Rico Lewis on.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 24 mins

16:55 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

Declan Rice and Jorginho playing deep together today, both essentially screening the back-four as opposed to just one of them being tasked with the job.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 23 mins

16:54 , Marc Mayo

Halfway through the first half and this one has been a little... stodgy.

Perhaps not surprising given both teams have four centre-backs in their XIs! Arsenal then also have a striker playing out wide and a whatever-Kai-Havertz-is playing up front.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 21 mins

16:52 , Marc Mayo

Another Arsenal chance to counter after Josko Gvardiol’s errant pass, only for the Croatian to throw in a fine sliding tackle to end Bukayo Saka’s run.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 17 mins

16:48 , Marc Mayo

Rare Arsenal corner swung in deep by Bukayo Saka and Stefan Ortega makes a fantastic claim in a crowd of bodies.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 16 mins

16:48 , Marc Mayo

Man City keep up the pressure and win a corner down the left.,

Nathan Ake flicks it on but David Raya can grab it from close range!

In the stands, Arsenal fan and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is here - for our readers abroad; depending on who you read, he’s either likely or very, very likely to become the next prime minister.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 13 mins

16:44 , Marc Mayo

Ruben Dias is filling the John Stones role of pushing into the midfield from centre-back with City in possession.

And some more pressure from the hosts nearly sees Kevin De Bruyne’s through ball find a man, but Arsenal clear.

Not for long though, they’re having to go long from inside their own half and City are reclaiming possession very quickly.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 10 mins

16:41 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

Arsenal looked a bit nervy in the early moments, but starting to settle now. Crucial they stay in the game. So often they get blown away in the first-half here.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 8 mins

16:39 , Marc Mayo

Half a chance for Gabriel Jesus!

Sloppy ball from Josko Gvardiol allows Arsenal to attack, with Ben White overlapping down the right flank. His cross lands for Jesus, who volleys it low and wide of the near post.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 6 mins

16:37 , Marc Mayo

The Gunners put in a couple of sturdy clearances to repel the first City attack but there isn’t a huge amount of composure from Ben White on the ball and they’re yet to have a spell of possession to get going in this game.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 4 mins

16:35 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Jesus does well to avoid a card for a pretty cynical grab of Bernardo Silva as the winger darts towards the Arsenal box. Absolutely no way he escapes that if it were the 33rd minute, not the third.

Kevin De Bruyne swings it in... out for a corner by Ben White as Erling Haaland lurks.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 3 mins

16:34 , Marc Mayo

Erling Haaland is offside as he breaks the Arsenal line and the flag stays down long enough for the Norwegian to take a tumble under William Saliba’s challenge.

Looked like he had a case for a spot-kick - were the flag not up!

Man City 0-0 Arsenal | 2 mins

16:32 , Marc Mayo

Josko Gvardiol is, in fact, at left-back despite how Man City warmed up. Nathan Ake on the left side of central defence, with the left-footed Ruben Dias on the right.

Arsenal have Kai Havertz through the middle and Gabriel Jesus wide on the left flank in attack.

Man City vs Arsenal | Kick-off!

16:31 , Marc Mayo

Here. We. Go.

Manchester City and Arsenal do battle at the Etihad Stadium, what a game this promises to be!

The final 'title decider' of the season

16:28 , Marc Mayo

This will be the final time Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool play each other - and could prove definitive for one or both of these teams’ title bids.

The league table for the top three’s meeting this year currently reads:

Arsenal: P3 W2 D1 L0 Pts 7

Liverpool: P4 W0 D3 L1 Pts 3

Man City: P3 W0 D2 L1 Pts 2

Here come the players!

16:26 , Marc Mayo

Our referee today, Anthony Taylor, leads out the two teams in a bouncing Etihad Stadium.

Kick-off coming up!

A hint at how Man City will line up?

16:26 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

Judging by the warm-up, City will have Nathan Ake at left-back. Suspect that is all down to Pepe Guardiola wanting to keep Bukayo Saka quiet.

Looks like Josko Gvardiol will be centre-back today.

The key battle in midfield

16:22 , Marc Mayo

Just hearing Roy Keane describe how important a game this is for Declan Rice in the Sky Sports studio, as the key difference between this Arsenal team and the one hammered at the Etihad a year ago.

As it happens, Simon also discussed Rice’s battle with Rodri ahead of the game.

Which you can read here!

Arsenal face true test of Mikel Arteta progress

16:20 , Marc Mayo

“One of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's favourite tactics ahead of big games is using motivational tools.”

Ahead of kick-off, check out Simon’s big match preview of how the Gunners arrive at the Etihad.

Read the full story!

Pep Guardiola gives his pre-game thoughts to Sky Sports

16:16 , Marc Mayo

On City’s experience: “If it gives you a 3-0 headstart then yeah... but that’s not going to happen! In believing who we are, yeah of course, but me as a manager knowing these players... I don’t know what’s going to happen but never are we going to doubt for one second what we are capable of.”

On losing at the Emirates: “It was different. Different players and a long time ago. We improve, they improve. It was the beginning of the season. It was a tight game, [the goal] was at the end - of course you can learn. Different game, but many months ago.”

On Ederson’s injury: “For this game, not even close. It’s a loss but we rely on Stefan [Ortega] incredibly so could be better if Kyle [Walker]’s here, could be better if John [Stones] is completely fit and Ederson.”

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

16:13 , Marc Mayo

A big plus for Arsenal today is that their bench looks stacked. So often in recent months, they've been short of options. Not today.

Mikel Arteta speaks to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off

16:08 , Marc Mayo

On Arsenal’s readiness: “You want to be in these situations and now you have to step up. You really have to feel the energy and look forward to play these games, and go for it. This is who we are.”

On playing the game, not the occasion: “It’s another game, we know the opponent - they are very strong and we’ve faced them in the past. The success we’ve had is because we continue to be ourselves, that’s what we have to do today.”

On mental preparedness: “The best way to do it is to believe that you can do it and to actually do it. In those moments, we’ve had a lot in the last few seasons, you have to continue to do the same thing.”

On being better than last year: “We have to show that today! We are capable of beating them if we raise the level and are at our best collectively.”

Rewind: Arsenal down Man City in penalty drama

16:04 , Marc Mayo

Fabio Vieira and Aaron Ramsdale (remember them?) were the heroes as Arsenal scored in the 11th minute of stoppage time to rescue the Community Shield at the very start of the campaign.

In the shootout, it was something of a formality as Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri failed to score before Arsenal snapped up the trophy with a 4-1 scoreline.

Man City vs Arsenal | Countdown to kick-off

16:01 , Marc Mayo

With that result, both City and Arsenal can approach this game knowing exactly what is at stake.

The warm-ups are just getting started and kick-off is in 30 minutes!

Full time at Anfield!

15:57 , Marc Mayo

Mohamed Salah’s goal put Liverpool ahead midway through the second half and Brighton have put together a late rally in a bid to snatch a point.

But it’s not enough to prevent the Reds from going top of the table ahead of Man City vs Arsenal.

That means only a win will put the Gunners back in first with City guaranteed to be second at best come 6.30pm tonight...

Mikel Arteta outlines biggest fear

15:51 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal have a miserable record at the Etihad and have not won there since 2015, losing their last eight games there.

The most recent of those losses came last April when the Gunners lost 4-1. The defeat was a damaging one as Arsenal let a five-point lead slip as City chased them down to win the title.

Mikel Arteta has been speaking about his emotions that followed that defeat on the eve of this afternoon’s game.

He said: “Not nice, I guarantee you.

“I don’t want to go through that again because we knew after that it was going to be very difficult, something that we fought for that many months. It was a different timing as well.”

Read the full story!

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings at the Etihad

15:47 , Marc Mayo

Bold call from Arteta to play Jesus on the left wing - who left City to be a No9 - but I like it. Trossard is best off the bench and, if Martinelli isn't fit to start, I like Jesus' experience in a big game like this.

Get Simon’s full thoughts on the team news with his video preview from the Etihad press box!

Two changes for Man City

15:45 , Marc Mayo

Kevin De Bruyne returns from a groin injury to helm the Man City engine room as Pep Guardiola opts for a couple of surprise decisions in his XI.

Firstly, Manuel Akanji is favoured over Rico Lewis at right-back as Nathan Ake replaces the absent Kyle Walker.

The hosts are have John Stones on the bench despite Guardiola ruling the England defender out in the week.

Ederson remains unavailable so Stefan Ortega keeps the gloves and, in attack, Jeremy Doku drops to the bench for De Bruyne.

Arsenal bring back Gabriel Jesus

15:39 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Martinelli is only fit for the bench as Arsenal name their XI.

Former Man City striker Gabriel Jesus gets the nod over Leandro Trossard for his first start since the end of January.

Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior are favoured in central midfield and left-back, respectively.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes start after injury worries.

How Man City line up

15:31 , Marc Mayo

Man City XI: Ortega; Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; De Bruyne, Silva, Foden; Haaland

Subs: Carson, Stones, Grealish, Doku, Alvarez, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis

Arsenal team news confirmed

15:31 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Jesus

Subs: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Partey, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Martinelli, Nketiah

Team news up next!

15:25 , Marc Mayo

We’re expecting both line-ups to be confirmed imminently...

John Stones was spotted getting off the Man City team bus, are we about to get a surprise or is he just there for moral support?

Rewind: Emmanuel Adebayor does *that*

15:20 , Marc Mayo

It’s quite impressive how a player with with nearly 450 appearances and over 150 goals is best remembered for the most remarkable wind-up celebration of all-time.

Well, you’d have to say, Emmanuel Adebayor chose this life..!

Head-to-head record

15:12 , Marc Mayo

City’s eight-game winning streak in this fixture has abruptly ended this season, with Arsenal triumphant in their Community Shield meeting via penalties at Wembley in August before Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner in the league at the Emirates in October.

Man City wins: 65

Arsenal wins: 100

Draws: 45

Bukayo Saka in the house

15:06 , Marc Mayo

The Arsenal team have arrived at the Etihad Stadium and Bukayo Saka is with the squad.

Images of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli also being with the team have circulated on social media, although that’s no guarantee any will play later.

“We come here with confidence and a lot of belief, we’re gonna go for it,” Martin Odegaard tells Sky as he heads to the dressing room.

Man City vs Arsenal | Countdown to kick-off

14:59 , Marc Mayo

We are now 90 minutes away from the 90 minutes in Manchester.

A bit of pre-game atmosphere already bubbling away around the ground as we await the team buses.

Half-time at Anfield

14:51 , Marc Mayo

The early kick-off has just reached the half-time break and it’s 1-1 between Liverpool and Brighton.

That’s a great result for both Man City and Arsenal, should it stay that way, although it could have been better after Danny Welbeck put the Seagulls ahead after only 90 seconds.

Liverpool have fought back strongly and levelled after Luis Diaz benefited from a weak Joel Veltman clearance.

Still 45 minutes to go on Merseyside and you can bet those already in position at the Etihad are glued to the TV screens!

Kevin De Bruyne 'to start' for Man City

14:41 , Marc Mayo

Some early rumours going around social media that Kevin De Bruyne will start for City.

We’re expecting confirmed team news in just over 45 minutes’ time...

Mikel Arteta hails Pep Guardiola as the 'best coach in the world'

14:35 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Pep Guardiola as the “best coach in the world by a mile” as he prepares to take his to side to the Etihad for a huge game in the title race.

The Spaniard believes City’s remarkable rise over the past few years has forced his side to raise their level and he has labelled Guardiola the No1 manager in the game.

“In my opinion he’s the best coach in the world by a mile and he’s one of the nicest people that I’ve met in football,” he said.

“Certainly he’s one of the ones that I’ve had the most fun and laughter working with. That’s gonna stay there forever.

“I know the passion that he lives the game, the intelligence, the way that he handles the team as well and the club, how demanding he is - and then he has an incredible work ethic.

“That’s something people don’t see, but there is a lot of work behind the scenes and he has managed to do it for three different clubs at the top, elite level, every single season. That’s a huge quality.”

Read the full story!

Declan Rice calls on Arsenal to end 'chokers' tag

14:23 , Marc Mayo

Declan Rice says Arsenal have to win at Manchester City on Sunday if they want to change perceptions and show they are ready to win the title.

“We have got to go to the Etihad, which is going to be really tough, but if you want to get past that barrier of Arsenal being labelled stuff, you have to go there and win," said Rice.

“We have to show that steeliness and character to prove we can be one of the best teams.

“There's no doubt that City are the best team in the world at the minute, but we have full confidence and belief as a group, and the manager, that we can get a result.”

Read the full story!

Man City vs Arsenal match odds

14:15 , Marc Mayo

Man City to win: Evens

Arsenal to win: 11/4

Draw: 13/5

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Score prediction

14:03 , Marc Mayo

This season’s title ‘deciders’ have been rather inconclusive so far. City and Liverpool have drawn twice with Arsenal also leaving Anfield with a point after beating both on their own turf.

At the Etihad, things are typically expected to be different (and worse) for the Gunners but a positive result may just elevate them to the status of title favourites, despite arguably having the toughest run-in of the three rivals.

City have looked a tad more vulnerable this year yet, simply put, still never seem to lose a game. Arsenal have traded their whimsical naivety of last season for a brand of clinical, focused chaos. It’s too tough to call.

A 1-1 draw.

Our prediction for the Arsenal line-up

13:53 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Doubts: Gabriel, Martinelli, Saka

Injuries: Timber

Early Arsenal team news

13:40 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal are confident that all of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes will be fit to face City after recent injury issues.

Asked on Friday if they could make Sunday’s game at the Etihad, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “Yeah, there is a chance.

“They haven’t trained. Tomorrow we have another session, so there is a chance they can be available.”

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior are all competing for the starting left-back berth and Arteta will have to decide whether to start Jorginho, Thomas Partey or Leandro Trossard in central midfield with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard if Martinelli is fit.

The game is likely to come too soon for long-term absentee Jurrien Timber, though he is closing in on his return to the Arsenal matchday squad for the first time since August after recovering from knee surgery.

How we reckon City could line up

13:34 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Rodri; Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Injuries: Walker, Stones

Early Man City team news

13:25 , Marc Mayo

The hosts are monitoring several injury concerns ahead of the game and will be without John Stones and Kyle Walker with issues sustained while away with England.

Captain Kevin De Bruyne should be fit after a groin problem however, with Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish and Ederson also likely to be involved.

Pep Guardiola could certainly have put a strong lineup together even if all of those players were to miss out, but it would have left City with a thin and youthful bench.

Where to watch Man City vs Arsenal

13:14 , Marc Mayo

TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning after Liverpool’s game with Brighton at Anfield.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Man City vs Arsenal LIVE!

13:03 , Marc Mayo

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s coverage of Manchester City vs Arsenal!

We were here almost a year ago as the Gunners suffered a 4-1 defeat which ultimately did for their title ambitions.

This time around, Mikel Arteta’s men lead the league again - although that could change come kick-off - and have won their last eight Premier League games.

Man City, meanwhile, have not lost a game since early December and look good value to defend not just one but perhaps all three of last year’s haul of trophies.

Follow all the build-up, team news, match action and reaction right here with kick-off coming at 4.30pm GMT and our reporter Simon Collings at the ground to provide his expert analysis.