Arsenal’s 10 men denied statement win by last-gasp Man City equaliser

The time may become etched in Manchester City folklore. Even this early in the season it could be a decisive moment, one we look back upon come May, as Manchester City substitute and makeshift centre forward John Stones scored after 97 minutes and 14 seconds to deny Arsenal what would have been a remarkable, famous, feisty victory.

Although not quite as definitive as Sergio Aguero’s strike on 92 minutes and 20 seconds, that delivered a first Premier League title in 2012, and is writ large on the outside of the Etihad Stadium, Stones’ late goal could be the difference. So close, so tight, so fierce is the rivalry that has now developed between City and Arsenal.

On 97 minutes, Arsenal were top of the table, a point clear. When the final whistle went a minute later City were back in first place, two points ahead of them.

For Stones it might prove to be his second legendary, marginal intervention after his amazing goal-line clearance against Liverpool five years ago, with the ball 11 millimetres away from going in before he slid and hooked it away. The incident came when that game was goalless and City went on to win 2-1 that day and win the title by a point.

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have undoubtedly and impressively taken on the task of being City’s biggest challengers and this is turning into an epic match-up. Guardiola even referenced Jurgen Klopp as he spoke about how Arteta, his former assistant, has stepped up.

There are other comparisons, it could be argued, with Arteta setting up his team to defend and fight and put their bodies on the line and, yes, resort to some gamesmanship like they were being coached by a prime Jose Mourinho or Diego Simeone. But then they were down to 10-men.

“You can call it clever or you can call it dirty,” Stones later said and that summed it up. Was it clever? Or was it dirty? Or was it both? Also, was it justifiable and not least after Leandro Trossard was sent off? He received a second yellow card, having pulled back Savinho, after kicking the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva.

That incident sparked another debate. Were Arsenal hard done by as Jeremy Doku went unpunished for also kicking the ball away (although it followed Arsenal trying to take a free-kick quickly from the wrong place)? Was that a sign of inconsistency from referee Michael Oliver? Or was it a sign of foolish indiscipline?

Both times Arsenal have dropped points this season they have had a player sent off for a second yellow for delaying a re-start having lost Declan Rice against Brighton. They were winning then and drew and they were winning here and drew. What does that all say?

That was not the end of the talking points. City may have to deal with what appeared to be a bad injury to Rodri – arguably their most irreplaceable player after Haaland – who hurt his knee in the first-half. What effect will losing Rodri for a prolonged period, if that is the case, have on their campaign?

There was also Arsenal’s goal, that made it 1-1, with City furious. Why? Oliver had called Kyle Walker over after City conceded a free-kick but then permitted Arsenal to take it before the City captain was back in position. It allowed Thomas Partey to pick out Gabriel Martinelli in space wide on the right who ran on and teed up Riccardo Calafiori. On his full debut the Italian international struck a wonderful first-time shot that arced away from Ederson and into the net. So angry was Guardiola that he turned and kicked his seat in the dug-out.

Oh and by the way Erling Haaland had struck to put City ahead, running through between Arsenal’s centre-halves to poke home early on as his team threatened to overwhelm their opponents. It was his 100th City goal in his 105th appearance – therefore equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record at Real Madrid for the quickest to reach a century. By the end, though, it almost became an afterthought and Arsenal fumed as Haaland picked up the ball following Stones’ goal and threw it at the back of Gabriel’s head.

The Brazilian defender had used that part of his body to greater effect as half-time approached to head in from close-range. Yet another set-piece Arsenal goal – with Walker badly at fault as he failed to track Gabriel.

After that Trossard was dismissed and it was intriguing to see Arteta withdraw Bukayo Saka and bring on Ben White and switch to what was a 4-5-0 formation. What a statement of intent and what an incredible defensive performance his team then delivered, augmented by four fine saves by their outstanding goalkeeper, David Raya.

It has to be said that as well as they did defend it was also a case of a curious number of their players going down for treatment and injury, which helped break up any City momentum. But it is hard to be too critical, surely, given the circumstances and who they were playing. Or maybe the Arsenal players were all genuinely hurt after what has been a taxing week – away to Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta and now City?

They have a win and two draws.

It was so, so close to being two wins. Instead another City substitute Jack Grealish worked his way to the byline and picked out another replacement, Mateo Kovacic, whose shot sparked a scramble ended by Stones’ intervention.

And so Arsenal were that close to their greatest win under Arteta. It shows just how close they are to City having run them hard in the past two title races. This time they were seconds away – just as Liverpool were millimetres away – but will they rue that or laud it when the season is over?

Arsenal and City share spoils after fractious tussle: As it happened

07:45 PM BST

Thanks for joining us

That brings an end to our coverage of this thrilling contest as John Stones’ late equaliser snatched a point against the ten men of Arsenal who had defended so resolutely following Leandro Trossard’s red card. City remain top while Arsenal climb up to fourth. Thank you for joining us.

07:43 PM BST

More Haaland records

As he bagged his 100th City goal, which feels like a long time ago now, Erling Haaland also became the first player in Premier League history to reach 10 goals in the first five games of the season.

07:42 PM BST

Timber and Havertz fail to make pass

Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz both failed to complete any of their passes today.

They are the first outfield players on record (from 2003-04) to play 89+ minutes of a Premier League match and not successfully pass to a team-mate.

07:41 PM BST

Guardiola unsure on scale of Rodri injury

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “I don’t know how many [Arsenal] players went down with cramp, but that can of course happen in a demanding game.

“We crossed and crossed and had Ruben [Dias], Manuel [Akanji], Erling [Haaland] but when you cross they have Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, so it is so difficult. There were ten players there. In the end we got what we deserved.”

Discussing Arsenal’s time-wasting, he said: “Maybe I would have done the same because it is with ten men. You have to ask Mikel [Arteta] what the tactic was. They were good with the long balls into Kai Havertz who is so strong and they go for the second balls. In the end we were patient, had the chances and got the goal. That’s all.”

After Rodri’s injury, Guardiola said: “I don’t know how he is. I did not speak with the doctors.”

07:35 PM BST

‘It’s a miracle what we have done’, says Arteta

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to the BBC, said: “I am so proud of the team. We played the game in a difficult context. Playing against the best team in the world.

“After what happened we went 2-1 up - it was a different story and I prefer not to make any comment about that [Leandro Trossard’s red card].

“Obviously, it is already a miracle we played 56 minutes at the Etihad with 10 men. It is unbelievable what we have done.

“It is obvious what happened when they made that decision, but it doesn’t deserve my comment. I don’t want to ruin anything else off the pitch.”

07:33 PM BST

‘It’s the height of stupidity’: Roy Keane on Trossard red

Roy Keane discussing Leandro Trossard’s second yellow, said on Sky Sports: “If you’re on a yellow card, you try not to give the referee another chance to give you another yellow. He’s given the perfect opportunity.

“He has kicked the ball away, it’s not even a debate, you don’t need to watch it 30 times. He’s wrong, it’s a second yellow and it’s the height of stupidity.”

07:24 PM BST

‘You can call it clever or dirty’: Stones on Arsenal tactics

More from Manchester City goalscorer John Stones, speaking to Sky Sports: “It was a difficult afternoon for both teams, how they stop the play, how they use the side of football that not many teams do. They slow the game down, they get the keeper on the floor so they can get some information onto the pitch.

“We had to control our emotions during those tough times and I felt like we did. There were a lot of tough tackles, some silly decisions but we did well.”

Have Arsenal mastered the dark arts? “I wouldn’t say they have mastered it but they have done it for a few years now so we knew to expect that. You can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it, but they break up the game which upsets the rhythm. They use it to their advantage and we dealt with it very well.”

07:23 PM BST

Rivalry sparked

Tensions were running high at full time following Stones’ late equaliser.

07:17 PM BST

Wait for Etihad win goes on

Arsenal’s wait for a win at the Etihad in the league extends to ten games after their last triumph at City came in 2015.

However, they have brought an end to City’s run of 13 consecutive top-flight wins.

07:09 PM BST

Stones brought on to ‘play closer to Haaland’

Manchester City goalscorer John Stones, speaking to Sky Sports: “You are frustrated that you don’t get to start in these big games and before the game I tried to channel it and have a positive attitude if needed to come on.

“I came on and tried to be inside the box for more crosses. One dropped to me and thankfully I put it in the back of the net. I’m really pleased to have scored the goal like that.”

Pep Guardiola’s words before he came on: “He wanted me to play closer to Erling, get higher up the pitch so when we got crosses in we could start to win more aerial duels.”

07:05 PM BST

High drama but Rodri injury a blow for City

07:01 PM BST

Stones snatches it at the death

06:56 PM BST

Backs against the wall in second half for Arsenal

06:54 PM BST

Richards and Keane disagree over Arsenal defence

Micah Richards praised Arsenal’s defence on Sky Sports saying: “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.”

Roy Keane questioned Richards’ praise of the Arsenal defence and said: “They conceded two goals, they couldn’t have defended that well.

“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.”

06:45 PM BST

Unbeaten Etihad run goes on

Arsenal were so close to ending Man City’s unbeaten streak at home but it extends to 48 matches now.

They did bring to an end however, City’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign and they stay within two points of the champions.

06:39 PM BST

Full time: Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2

That goal is almost the last action of the game as Oliver brings an end to this classic.

Arsenal did incredibly to hold on until added time but it wasn’t enough for the three points as Stones’ late goal snatched a draw for City.

What an incredible match after many had predicted a dull and goalless affair. It had a late, late goal, needle between the sides, and controversial decisions.

06:37 PM BST

GOAL! Stones equalises at the death

Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2 (Stones) I don’t believe it! The corner is played short on City’s left before being pulled back to Kovacic on the penalty spot by Grealish. The Croatian’s left-footed effort is blocked but it drops to Stones who tucks it away with his left foot. Raya gets a touch onto it but he can’t keep it out. It all kicks off after the goal between the two benches and then the two sides on the pitch.

06:35 PM BST

90+7 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Jesus does well initially to win it back but then retreats with it to the corner flag before giving up the corner and picking up a yellow as he tries to block the short one.

On the second attempt City decide to throw it in but Raya does so well to pluck it out the sky. We’re approaching the 97th-minute mark.

06:32 PM BST

90+5 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Lewis Skelly - already on a booking - comes on for his Premier League debut for Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus is also. Timber and Martinelli are off. Haaland’s effort is easily claimed by Raya who siezes the chance to drop to the ground with the ball in his grasp.

The ball keeps dropping to Dias in space but it looks like has rightly decided to stop shooting. City just can’t get it to one of their attackers in any sort of space.

06:29 PM BST

90+2 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Akanji curls a cross in towards Haaland but Saliba holds him off to head away. Strong defending from the Frenchman. Another Dias shot leads to a nervous scramble but Haaland’s outstretched leg eventually nudges it through to Raya.

It’s Gabriels’s turn to go down with cramp. Just as he gets up Timber decides to go down now leading to almighty boos. There is confusion as Raya looks like he tries to kick it out, fails to do so but an Arsenal physio has now run on. A referee whistle may have been blown in the midst of that. Seven minutes of added time.

06:25 PM BST

88 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Dias has never had this many attempts on goal and the latest one is the worst of the lot as it flies into row Z. Martinelli goes down with cramp and is told by Michael Oliver to get up. The Arsenal man is far from pleased by the referee’s lack of sympathy.

Partey heads clear but it lands to Gvardiol on the volley and he strikes it so sweetly towards the near post but Raya gets down really well again to parry it away.

06:22 PM BST

85 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Kovacic gives away a foul on Havertz in City’s half. Can Arsenal make something of this? Rice picks up a yellow for taking his time over it before Akanji heads the delivery out for a throw-in.

Kiwior tries to find Havertz but it flies out for a goal-kick. Arsenal retreat to their own box once again. Akanji digs a cross out that is easy pickings for Raya and allows the keeper a chance to waste some time as he falls on the ball.

06:19 PM BST

82 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Walker and Savinho are replaced by Stones and Grealish. It seems Dias is getting more touches than anyone in and around the box, that is really not what you want if you’re Guardiola.

Kovacic has space again for a shot but it’s so poor as it flies over over. Surely City would rather the likes of Foden, Gundogan, Silva and Grealish getting on the ball on the edge of the box but instead it’s their central defenders while the dangermen remain marked in the area.

06:15 PM BST

78 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Timber pops it through Gvardiol’s legs in a rare moment of excitement for Arsenal but his next pass doesn’t find a red top. Kovacic and Walker have efforts blocked. City look short of ideas on how to unlock the Arsenal block.

Dias has another effort with his left foot that rolls through to Raya with very little pace. Haaland now manages to work half a yard for an attempt but it’s blocked again. Foden dribbles into the box and works it onto his right foot but blazes his effort wide.

06:11 PM BST

74 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Arsenal get a free-kick in City’s half and a rare opportunity to send men forward. It threatens to drop for Calafiori but doesn’t quite fall for the defender and City soon recover the ball.

Dias takes aim once again and after two deflections Raya can gather it. Calafiori now goes down signalling that he may need to make way. The Italian does make way and Kiwior is brought on in his place.

06:08 PM BST

71 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Akanji has half an opening and looks to unleash a curling effort but Arsenal manage to charge it down. It’s Savinho’s turn next but it goes way over.

Phil Foden is now coming on for Jeremy Doku. Really surprising the England international wasn’t introduced sooner. He is the player in the City squad you feel would be most likely to unlock the door in this scenario.

06:05 PM BST

68 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Myles Lewis-Skelly has managed to get a yellow card while warming up. He is yet to make his Premier League debut. As Raya receives treatment it offers a chance for Arteta to drill home his latest message to his group.

Gabriel punts clear and Ederson gets a rare touch. Doku looks to cut into on his right foot and Timber puts in a great sliding challenge in the box. It was imperative he got that one right.

06:02 PM BST

64 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Walker lets fly again and it deflects away for another corner. It’s played short again before dropping to Gvardiol in the box. The defender strikes low and hard but Raya is able to get an arm to it before claiming it on the second attempt.

Arsenal are now in more of a 6-3 formation with Martinelli dropping into a left-wing back role. Rice nearly frees Martinelli but Walker sweeps up easily. Arsenal win a goal-ick after the ball deflects back of Savinho and they can have a moment of respite. Raya extends this by sitting down with an apparent injury.

05:58 PM BST

60 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Gabriel tries to shepherd it out from Haaland before going down under the striker’s pressure but he doesn’t get the foul and gives away the corner.

It’s taken short before being floated to Haaland at the back post who leaps high to win the header. He heads it down into the ground but Raya saves well before Silva volleys the rebound over.

The second half passing statistics are 109-2 at the moment - incredible.

05:55 PM BST

58 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

You feel Guardiola will soon bring on some of his technicians on the bench such as Lewis, Foden and Grealish to try and break this Arsenal block down. Players like Walker and Doku are not going to be utilised in this scenario.

City play the corner short that eventually drops to Akanji on the edge of the box. His half-volley deflects wide of the left post. It’s Walker’s turn next and he is the first of the defenders to sting the gloves of Raya but Arsenals will be more then happy to see City’s back four trying from range.

05:51 PM BST

54 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Oliver initially waves away a challenge from Calafiori on Savinho but the linesman waves his flag and the free-kick is given right of the Arsenal box. The ball from Silva has too much pace and height and misses everyone.

City probe around the Arsenal box but Arteta’s side keep their shape well and eventually Dias decides to let fly on his weaker foot and it goes high and wide. Arsenal will take those efforts all day.

05:48 PM BST

50 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

City are pushing well in these early minutes. Silva makes a run down the right channel and pulls the ball back to Kovacic on the edge of the box who looks to guide it goal-bound with his instep but it goes well over.

Arsenal have all ten players within 30 yards of their own goal now. Havertz looks to have done incredibly to run it up the pitch and win the foul but Michael Oliver says no foul. Harsh from the referee there.

05:46 PM BST

48 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

It’s worth mentioning there was no changes at the break by Guardiola after Kovacic was brought on in the first-half for the injured Rodri. Arsenal are settling into a 5-4 shape for now deep into their own half.

Kyle Walker delivers a cross into Haaland at the back post. The striker beats Saliba to the ball but his header hasn’t enough pace to trouble Raya.

05:43 PM BST

46 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Arsenal get the second half underway kicking from left to right. Can Arteta’s men cling on to a huge three points?

It’s looking like White will slot in at right centre-back.

05:42 PM BST

White on for Saka

Ben white is coming on at the break for Bukayo Saka. Unfortunate for the winger to be sacrificed following the red card.

05:41 PM BST

VAR confirm red card reasoning

VAR have confirmed that the second yellow for Trossard was for kicking the ball away and delaying the restart. Arsenal fans have heard this before this season after Rice’s controversial sending off against Brighton.

05:37 PM BST

A half that had everything

So much for the pre match fears this might be a cagey affair. A first half that had a bit of everything and what drama it made for: great goals, controversy, anger and doubtless recriminations, a red card and, sadly, a worrying looking injury to Rodri.

City were furious Arsenal’s equaliser was allowed to stand, Arsenal equally angry about Trossard’s dismissal for a second yellow card.

By the end, nine minutes of stoppages were played. It’s been some turnaround for Arsenal because City were all over them in those early exchanges.

Arsenal’s set plays have become a potent weapon but Walker will be bitterly disappointed with the way Gabriel lost him at the corner - even if it was brilliant from the Arsenal defender and a peach of a ball from Saka.

05:32 PM BST

Can Arsenal hold on?

05:29 PM BST

Half-time: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

And breathe... That red card is almost the final action of this bonkers first-half. Haaland gave City the lead after a really impressive first ten minutes but Arsenal then grew into the game. They were the better team and took a deserved lead through Gabriel’s header after Calafiori’s spectacular equaliser.

The red card to Trossard changes the dynamic though and you expect it will be backs against the wall for Arteta’s side in the second period.

05:26 PM BST

45+8 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

It’s a red card for Trossard! The Belgian picked up a yellow midway through the first half for a pull on Savinho and he picks up a second just before the break. He shoves Silva in the back before smashing the ball away after the whistle is blown. It is unclear what the yellow for but it is surely for the kick of the ball rather than the foul. That changes things enormously going into the interval.

05:23 PM BST

45+6 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Savinho appeals for a foul after a challenge of Caliafori but Michael Oliver waves play on. City quickly win it back though as they pile on the pressure for an equaliser before half-time.

A wayward Dias pass runs out for a goal-kick and is met by ironic jeers from Arsenal fans as pressure is eased on their side. Partey picks up a blatant yellow for chopping down Savinho looking to counter.

05:20 PM BST

45+3 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

There will be six minutes of added time at the end of this remarkable first half. Since the City goal Arsenal have been really impressive and deserve that lead. What answer will Guardiola have to this?

05:18 PM BST

GOAL! Gabriel gives Arsenal the lead

Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2 (Gabriel) It’s been coming. The corner comes in from the right from Saka to the back post to Gabriel who gets an identical chance to the one he missed moments before. This time though he powers it home from close range with a dominant header after losing Walker.

05:17 PM BST

45 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1

City manage to muster an attack of their own as Savinho cuts in again but his low ball runs through to Raya. Saka picks it up on the right before feeding the overlapping Rice who wins the corner.

05:14 PM BST

43 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1

Trossard delivers a cross in towards Havertz - it’s headed clear by City but it’s coming straight back at them, Arsenal are finishing the half strongly here.

Gabriel and Martinelli combine down the left nicely before the winger drills a low cross in. Trossard just about gets on the end of it but it goes over. It’s all Arsenal at the moment.

05:12 PM BST

40 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1

Arsenal have a huge chance to take the lead! They have a corner from the right that goes to the back post and finds the head of Gabriel a matter of yards out but the centre-back heads over. He should score you feel after being so dominant to get on the end of it.

City look to calm the game down slightly after the frantic opening 40 minutes. Arsenal play some lovely football to combine and beat the City press and now have a spell of having City sitting in.

05:09 PM BST

35 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1

Gvardiol finds Doku on the edge of the box and lets fly but it deflects just over. This has been an enthralling half of football - one which many weren’t expecting.

Replays show that City were upset with the goal because Michael Oliver ahd brought Saka and Walker in for a chat over the challenges going in. As Walker was returning to his position Partey played the quick free-kick into the space Walker had vacated. Perhaps a fair protestation from the right-back but could he have got back in quicker?

05:03 PM BST

Savinho getting the better of Calafiori

Savinho looks like he’s got the beating of Calafiori every time. The Brazil winger is linking really well with Gundogan down City’s right. Arsenal struggling to deal with the pair.

05:02 PM BST

Guardiola livid with Arsenal goal

05:00 PM BST

Califiori levels with moment of brilliance

Okay, so that’s some way to respond to an earlier mistake. A stunning finish from Calafiori to equalise. City’s players reacted furiously to the goal and appeared to be arguing about the quickly taken free kick.

Just on Rodri, there was a brief exchange with Guardiola before he disappeared down the tunnel and the City midfielder just began shaking his head as if to say: “It’s a bad one boss”. Guardiola had a concerned look on his face. City will hope the scans do not reveal serious damage but Rodri acting like a man who knows he could be in trouble. The way his right knee jarred as he landed wasn’t pretty.

04:58 PM BST

27 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1

City were protesting that the free-kick wasn’t taken in the right place but the goal stands. They look to respond almost immediately with a cross from the right to the back post. Doku gets a toe onto it but Raya can gather.

Guardiola was absolutely seething with the goal - maybe with the free-kick placement but more likely with the defending of his team. Gundogan looks to dig a cross out from the right of the box. Half-hearted appeals for a handball but nothing given.

04:55 PM BST

GOAL! Calafiori equalises with stunner

Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1 (Calafiori) Arsenal take the free-kick quickly from within their own half as Partey plays Martinelli in down the left channel. The winger cuts back onto his right foot before teeing up Calafiori on the edge of the box. The defender then curls one into the top right corner. An outrageous goal in a crazy game!

04:53 PM BST

21 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0

Rodri has been forced off now following the injury to his knee and it looks like Mateo Kovacic will replace him.

A brief VAR check following the next City corner is quickly waved on. Kovacic is now on - a good replacement for City to have up their sleeve but a huge blow to lose Rodri. As a big challenge is put in on Partey Michael Oliver calls the captains together to have a word perhaps about calming things down.

04:50 PM BST

100 up for Haaland

04:49 PM BST

17 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0

Rodri goes down in the box as the City corner comes in from the right. He goes down clutching his knee after there didn’t appear to be a great deal of contact from Partey which has concerned the players and City staff. He looks like he is in quite a lot of pain here.

04:47 PM BST

14 mins: Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0

Arsenal look to respond through Martinelli down the left but City head clear. The Etihad is bouncing after that early lift off. City then have Arsenal penned in their own box before Savinho wins a free-kick in a dangerous position to the right of the Arsenal box.

Gundogan takes it and he strikes the outside of the right-hand post! The angle favoured the left-footer but the German went so close to two.

04:41 PM BST

GOAL! Haaland opens the scoring

Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0 (Haaland) Savinho cuts in from the right onto his left foot and slips a wonderful through ball into Haaland’s path. The striker just pokes it past Raya with his left foot into the bottom right corner of the goal. There was unusually a larger than ideal gap between the Arsenal centre-backs that Haaland was able to exploit. That silences his critics over his performances against Arteta’s side with his 100th City goal.

04:39 PM BST

8 mins: Manchester City 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal are able to enjoy a slightly less pressurised spell of possession but it doesn’t get them up the pitch and City are able to have a spell of their own. Gvardiol appears to be playing far higher up on the left compared to Walker on the right when City have it.

What a chance for Gundogan! Silva wraps a pass into the Gundogan from the right. His first touch takes it over the defender into the box and he lets fly on the volley but it fires wide of the right post.

04:36 PM BST

4 mins: Manchester City 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal are looking to play out but they are being pressed so highly by City with the backing of the home fans with Ruben Dias even popping up close to the Arsenal box. It eventually falls back to Raya who goes long.

Another clash of players as Haaland competes with Saliba for a header and goes crashing into the centre-back. A fiery start to this one.

04:33 PM BST

1 min: Manchester City 0 Arsenal 0

Straight from kick-off and Rodri goes down clutching his face after a collision with Havertz. The ball was passed straight back to Ederson and after a matter of seconds the players came together as Rodri looked to block Havertz’s path.

The Video Assistant Referee checks it and appears to be waving it on. A bizarre start!

04:32 PM BST

1 min: Manchester City 0 Arsenal 0

After a warm embrace between the managers and a tribute to Sir Howard Bernstein, a lifelong City fan, Man City get us underway here kicking from left to right.

Arsenal are in their home strip this week after controversially being forced into their away colours against Tottenham. City have fortunately reverted to their usual home kit after donning the dividing strip designed by Noel Gallagher against Inter on Wednesday.

04:27 PM BST

Players on their way out

The players are making their way out of the tunnel now at the Etihad stadium. There is a huge sense of importance in the atmosphere as kick-off approaches.

04:25 PM BST

Five minutes to go

We are just five minutes away from kick-off. Will Arsenal go one better than last season and upset Man City’s incredible run at home of 47 matches unbeaten or will the hosts continue their perfect start to the season?

04:24 PM BST

Final preparations

04:21 PM BST

Guardiola calls for noise from City fans

“I always say it on days like this but we need you behind us,” Guardiola explains in his programme notes.

“We can feel your energy and when you are there with us, making noise and willing us to be our best, it makes a huge difference.

“I promise you, on days like today, we all need to be as one - that is when we are the best version of Manchester City.”

04:17 PM BST

‘Arsenal were a bit giddy last year’: Roy Keane on last season’s draw

Arsenal were one of three teams to get the better of City in the Premier League last season as Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal clinched a 1-0 win at home in October.

The reverse fixture saw the sides play out a cagey goalless draw at the Etihad in March, with just three shots on target in the entire match.

It was a result that proved pivotal as City went on to beat Arsenal to the title by two points.

Discussing that result, Roy Keane said on Sky Sports: “They (Arsenal) came here last year and they got the draw and at the time you’re thinking ‘that wasn’t bad’.

“Arsenal were a bit pleased with themselves last year, they were a bit giddy after the game.

“If you want to get over that line, in terms of winning titles, you have to turn up and make a performance.”

04:13 PM BST

Permutations of today’s result

Victory today would see Man City continue their perfect start and leapfrog Liverpool to return to top spot. A draw would also be enough for Pep Guardiola’s men to return to the summit.

Similarly, a win for Arsenal would send them top, one point ahead of today’s opponents and Liverpool. A draw would be enough to leapfrog Chelsea into the top four.

04:08 PM BST

Guardiola says ‘change must come from players’ following Rodri comments

Rodri starts his first Premier League game of the season after being rested in the early weeks.

He spoke out in the week over the volume of games that players are being faced with and said they are close to going on strike.

On Rodri’s comments, Pep Guardiola said: “Many voices are talking about the players. If something is going to change, it must come from the players.

“They are the only ones who can change something. The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media and owners, but without players you cannot play. The only ones to have the power to do it is them.”

04:04 PM BST

Arteta and Sterling return to City

Mikel Arteta has reunited with Raheem Sterling after signing the winger on loan from Chelsea and the pair return this afternoon to where they spent four seasons working together while Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

Following the new acquisition, Arteta said: “The first call I had with him, I knew in the first 10 seconds we have to bring him.

“That was my only question mark: what stage is he at in his career? After 10 seconds I knew already, before the next questions, that we needed him here.

Discussing Sterling ahead of today’s game, Guardiola said: “Mikel said it was a surprise to get him. One of the players that behaved unbelievably [well] in this club, that helped us be who we are and where we are.

“My first years in my tenure here with Raheem were so important. Of course, I’d prefer he doesn’t perform well on Sunday but I wish him all the best.”

03:59 PM BST

Ben White change ‘little bit forced’, says Arteta

Riccardo Calafiori makes his full debut this afternoon in place of Ben White who drops to the bench.

On the change, Arteta has said: “It was a little bit forced, but we are okay. We’ve done it with different players but we have full belief in the players we have. It gives us something different [starting Calafiori].”

03:56 PM BST

Improving signs against City for Arteta’s side

The four points Arsenal won against City last season was double the amount they managed across their previous 15 top-flight meetings.

Arteta’s men kept a clean sheet in both league encounters with City last season, having conceded at least once in their previous 16 clashes.

03:53 PM BST

Familiar faces at the Etihad

03:50 PM BST

Strong task at hand for Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has only won more fixtures as Manchester City manager against Burnley (17) than he has against Arsenal (16).

Arsenal last got the better of City at the Etihad in the league in a 2-0 defeat in 2015. They have since been beaten seven times and have escaped with a point twice.

As for the reigning champions’ general home form, they are on a club record run of 47 successive matches unbeaten at the Etihad in all competitions since a 2-1 defeat against Brentford in November 2022.

Guardiola’s side have won 13 consecutive top-flight games since the goalless draw against Arsenal in March and are now looking to become the first team in English top-flight history to win their opening five league matches in five seasons.

Having said that, they have equalled their longest run of consecutive Premier League home matches without a clean sheet under Guardiola of six.

03:45 PM BST

Creative captain

Bukayo Saka leads the assist charts alongside Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah with four.

The England international has registered one in each of his four Premier League fixtures so far this season.

In the absence of Martin Odegaard Saka will lead Arsenal out this afternoon.

03:40 PM BST

Key elements to strong starts

Erling Haaland has been in imperious form in the early stages of this season having scored nine goals in City’s opening four league fixtures - beating Wayne Rooney’s previous record of eight at this stage of the season.

The Norwegian has scored in all four matches and bagged successive hat-tricks in their contests with Ipswich and West Ham. Coming into this weekend, no team had scored more than City’s No. 9.

Arsenal’s strong start has been down to the solidity of their back four rather than the individual brilliance of one player.

Mikel Arteta’s side have kept four clean sheets in five matches in all competitions and only conceded when they were down to ten men against Brighton.

Jamie Carragher wrote in the Telegraph this week that “William Saliba and Gabriel are on the threshold of joining the great centre-half pairings” of the Premier League.

03:35 PM BST

Arteta: ‘City the most consistent Premier League team ever’

Looking ahead to the visit to the champions, Mikel Arteta said: “We go to the home of the champions, the team that I think in Premier League history has been the most consistent ever, not only in terms of results but in terms of dominance and consistent top performances.”

“This is the challenge. We have to go there and prove that again we’ve made another step and we can compete.”

After Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was a doubt for today’s fixture, Arteta said he is not focusing on potential absentees given City’s quality and depth.

“They have the option if he doesn’t play of Gundogan, Bernardo, Phil Foden, Kovacic,” he added.

“They’re all world-class players.

“We have a few missing as well and we have to adapt, but certainly those kinds of teams don’t rely on one individual which is extremely important for them.”

03:31 PM BST

Guardiola: ‘In terms of the table, it’s not really important’

Ahead of today’s tie with Arsenal, Pep Guardiola played down its importance in the title race.

He said: “It’s always been a tight game, in the past few years. I think we are a good team but they’re good too.

“They do many good things in all aspects – in high pressing, in defending deep, in transition.

“They’re a complete team [and] that’s why they’ve been our biggest rivals in the last two seasons.

“In this early stage of the season, nothing more than the mood over the next few games [is at stake]. In terms of the table, it’s not really important. It’ll be important when we go to London in the second half of the season.”

03:27 PM BST

Injury news

Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t make the City squad after suffering a minor groin strain forced him off in their midweek Champions League fixture.

Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb remain on the sidelines.

Mikel Arteta has said he does not know the timescale of Martin Odegaard’s injury after the midfielder missed the north London derby win and their midweek Champions League tie.

“We need to see the development in the next week or so, how the ankle reacts first of all and then the staff will give me an update on the timeframe and how long he’ll be out for,” said the Arsenal manager on Friday.

Declan Rice returns to Premier League football after he missed the win over Tottenham last weekend due to suspension.

Mikel Merino remains out, along with defenders Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

03:23 PM BST

Those line-ups in full

Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Silva, Rodri, Gundogan, Savinho, Haaland, Doku.

Subs: Carson, Grealish, Foden, Gundogan, Kovacic, McAtee, Nunes, Ortega, Stones, Lewis.

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Partey, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

Subs: Jesus, Sterling, Neto, Jorginho, White, Kiwior, Nwaneri, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly

03:20 PM BST

Full debut for Calafiori

There are just the two changes to Arsenal’s starting line-up from the eleven that faced Atalanta in the week as Riccardo Calafiori makes his full debut in place of Ben White and Leandro Trossard comes in for Gabriel Jesus

03:17 PM BST

Three changes for City

Pep Guardiola makes three changes to the side that started against Inter Milan in the week as Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan and Jeremy Doku come in for Rico Lewis, the injured Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish.

03:10 PM BST

Preview: Arsenal hope for illusive Etihad win in clash between Premier League’s best

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of Manchester City vs Arsenal from the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side have finished runners-up to City in the last two seasons, and with the two teams in those same positions coming into this weekend, today’s clash at the Etihad Stadium already feels significant in this year’s title race, despite coming just five games into the campaign.

Arsenal and City are the two sides to remain unbeaten in the league but only Guardiola’s men maintain a perfect record, having won their four fixtures to date with relative ease. This is largely thanks to the ruthless finishing of Erling Haaland who became the first player to score nine goals in the opening four games of a Premier League season. The Norwegian was a post’s width away from making it three hat-tricks in as many games against Brentford last time out, but instead had to settle for a brace as he overturned City’s 1-0 deficit.

Arsenal’s only dropped points came in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium against Brighton after their lead was eradicated following Declan Rice’s controversial second yellow card. In the absence of the England international and captain Martin Odegaard, ruled out by an ankle injury, Arsenal got things back on track as they won their third north London derby in a row at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a resolute 1-0 win thanks to Gabriel’s second-half header.

Both sides were held to goalless draws by Italian teams in their midweek Champions League ties as City were frustrated by the visit of Inter Milan in a repeat of the 2023 final, while Arsenal kept their fourth clean sheet in five games away to Europa League champions Atalanta.

Arteta’s men were one of just three teams to beat City in the league last year as Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal clinched a 1-0 win at the Emirates, but they were criticised by many for seemingly settling for a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at a crunch point in the title race, before going on to to fall two points short of their rivals.