Arsenal mock rivals Man City and spark Premier League title race into life with statement result - reaction

Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City: The Gunners ran riot against the champions to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top

Pep Guardiola says Haaland will control his emotions as striker prepares to face Gabriel in Arsenal clash

Arsenal sparked their Premier League title challenge back into life by trashing rivals Manchester City in a heated 5-1 win that saw the Gunners earn revenge against the champions.

Tensions between the teams were high after September’s 2-2 draw between the teams but Arsenal earned a statement victory against Pep Guardiola's side, who had pipped them to the title in the last two seasons.

Goals from teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri ensured a triumphant victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, after Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal in front inside two minutes.

Erling Haaland equalised in the second half but Arsenal restored their advantage within 38 seconds off the restart as Thomas Partey’s strike deflected in off John Stones.

Lewis-Skelly added the third minutes later with his first Arsenal goal, before appearing to mock Haaland by copying his trademark “Zen” celebration.

Kai Havertz made it four, making up for his earlier miss, before Nwaneri came off the bench to complete the demolition of the champions and cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table.

Follow all the updates from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:

Arsenal vs Man City LIVE

• Arsenal thrash Man City 5-1 and spark life into title race with statement win
• 90+3' GOAL! Ethan Nwaneri makes it five in stoppage time (ARS 5-1 MCI)
• 76' GOAL! Kai Havertz makes up for earlier miss to add to Gunners rout (ARS 4-1 MCI)
• 63' GOAL! Myles Lewis-Skelly adds third with first Arsenal goal (ARS 3-1 MCI)
• 55' GOAL! Arsenal re-take the lead 38 seconds after restart with deflected Partey strike (ARS 2-1 MCI)
• 54' GOAL! Haaland heads brilliant equaliser to punish Arsenal misses (ARS 1-1 MCI)
• 25' CHANCE! Kai Havertz misses golden chance as Man City give ball away again (ARS 1-0 MCI)
• 22' SAVE! David Raya makes brilliant stop to tip Gvardiol header onto bar (ARS 1-0 MCI)
• 2' GOAL! Martin Odegaard strikes early after Man City give ball away (ARS 1-0 MCI)

[2 February 2025 14:10 · Chris Wilson]

Prediction

This is a rare occassion where Manchester City are not expected to triumph when they meet Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, at least according to the bookmakers. However, City have won their last two matches and seem closer to their old selves meaning this match is too hard to call. Unbeaten in five matches the Gunners have weathered a slight stumble and know this is a must win game if they hope to challenge for the title.

Arsenal 2-2 Man City.

[2 February 2025 14:05 · Chris Wilson]

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Haverz, Martinelli.

Man City: Ederson; Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Silva; Foden, Marmoush, Savinho; Haaland

[2 February 2025 14:00 · Chris Wilson]

Team news

Pep Guardiola can use his new signings, including Omar Marmoush, after they were ineligible in the Champions League in midweek. While City have no new injury absences, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Rodri remain out but John Stones is fit to feature and Oscar Bobb could return.

[2 February 2025 13:55 · Chris Wilson]

Team news

David Raya is classed as a doubt after missing Arsenal’s Champions League win over Girona in midweek. The continued absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jeusus could give Ethan Nwaneri a chance to start against the champions, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is available after his red card against Wolves was overturned following an appeal.

[2 February 2025 13:50 · Chris Wilson]

Is Arsenal v City on TV?

When is Arsenal vs Man City?

The Premier League fixture will kick off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 2 February.

What TV channel is it on?

It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football, with coverage getting underway following the earlier match between Brentford and Tottenham.

If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

[2 February 2025 13:40 · Chris Wilson]

Arsenal and Manchester City renew their rivalry with precious Premier League points up for grabs at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola’s sides faced each other for the title in the last two seasons but it is Liverpool who are leading the way now.

The Gunners know they need to win to keep pace with Arne Slot’s side, while City are aiming to keep their place in the top four.

But tensions will still be high after a fractious 2-2 draw between the teams earlier this season.

Erling Haaland was involved in the drama as he told Arteta to “stay humble” - a moment that is unlikely to have been forgotten.

[2 February 2025 13:30 · Chris Wilson]

Arsenal vs Man City LIVE

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s match between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Gunners trail Liverpool by nine points ahead of kick-off, making this a must-win match against a City side who have rediscovered some form in recent weeks.

We’ll have all the latest build-up and updates right here.