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

Arsenal vs Manchester City LIVE!

Gabriel Martinelli returned with a bang as the Arsenal substitute's deflected effort sealed a late, long-awaited victory against Premier League champions Manchester City.

Last season the Gunners pushed City in the title race, only to eventually fall just short as Pep Guardiola's side went on to become just the second English team to win the treble.

Arsenal's inability to win a point off City last term proved costly but things are already different this time around, with Martinelli's deflected strike securing a last-gasp 1-0 win at an elated Emirates Stadium.

The substitute's first-time effort in the 86th minute flew in off Nathan Ake, ending a run of 12 straight league losses in this fixture as they beat City in the Premier League for the first time since 2015.

Arsenal vs Man City highlights

• VAR! Kovacic escapes potential red card

• GOAL! Deflected Martinelli effort goes in late on

Arsenal FC 1 - 0 Manchester City FC

Thanks for joining us!

19:04 , Marc Mayo

Phew. We need a couple weeks off after that finish!

It was far from a classic encounter, especially for a title-race showdown, but Arsenal pulled it out with a little bit of luck to secure a massive 1-0 win over Man City.

Recap the action with our match report!

Arsenal snatch title momentum with game-changing win over Man City

18:55 , Marc Mayo

This year’s Premier League title race just got very interesting.

Not only have Arsenal sent a message to their rivals with this win, Man City have shown themselves to be far from infallible.

Read Dan’s full verdict here!

Arsenal player ratings

18:44 , Marc Mayo

Dan has handed out his ratings to the Gunners stars with William Saliba and Gabriel coming in for particular praise.

Read the full story!

Arsenal matchwinner Gabriel Martinelli reacts

18:42 , Marc Mayo

“I’m not the man, everyone has their part in this victory. I scored but the whole team, the fans as well, it was everyone. I’m happy, the team’s happy as well.

“I tried to give my best in my recovery. Luckily it was for this game and I helped the team, I’m so happy for the team and for my fitness as well.

“It gives more confidence, we know our potential and how tough it is to beat them.”

Erling Haaland not happy after the whistle

18:35 , Marc Mayo

It’s being said the kerfuffle by the tunnel (trademarking that headline, by the way) was between Erling Haaland and Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, formerly of Man City. Kyle Walker was the peacemaker.

North London reigns at the international break

18:32 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham lead the Premier League on goals scored, level on points with Arsenal after that game.

Manchester City are two points back, then Liverpool rounding out the top four.

Highlights: Gabriel Martinelli goal wins it for Arsenal

18:29 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal get the win

18:27 , Marc Mayo

Some issues as Manchester City walk off the pitch, Erling Haaland and Kyle Walker taking exception to something or other before being led down the tunnel.

Didn’t see any Arsenal players nearby.

Arsenal 1-0 Man City | FULL TIME!

18:24 , Marc Mayo

THE GUNNERS WIN IT!

Arsenal 1-0 Man City | 90+3 mins

18:22 , Marc Mayo

Histrionics by the Man City corner flag sees Gabriel Jesus and Ederson booked. The Arsenal man kicked the ball away and his old teammate did clatter him, a bit.

Arsenal 1-0 Man City | 90+2 mins

18:22 , Marc Mayo

This is the problem for a City side which have played in second gear for 90 minutes: rising themselves at this stage is very tough indeed.

Arsenal 1-0 Man City | 90 mins

18:20 , Marc Mayo

Four minutes added on!

Arsenal 1-0 Man City | 89 mins

18:18 , Marc Mayo

“To the Arsenal, 1-0” rings around the ground. Few will say either team deserved to win this one but the Gunners are on the brink of ending this long, long winless run against Manchester City.

GGGOOOOAAALLLL!!!!! Arsenal 1-0 Man City | Martinelli, 86'

18:16 , Marc Mayo

MARTINELLI’S SHOT DEFLECTS IN!

Well, well, well! That was probably always going to be what it took...

Gabriel Martinelli lines up a hit from 20 yards and it cannons in off Nathan Ake to send the Emirates wild!

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 85 mins

18:14 , Marc Mayo

Hopeful penalty appeals as Gabriel Jesus goes down at Nathan Ake nicking the ball in the box. Referee and VAR agree there’s nothing in it.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 82 mins

18:11 , Marc Mayo

Good work by Gabriel Jesus to nick the ball of Phil Foden in the Arsenal half but City subsume possession almost instantly.

The visitors are knocking it around like a pre-season friendly.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 79 mins

18:08 , Marc Mayo

You sense both teams will very strongly stick to their plan and avoid any serious risk, at fear of losing this point.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

18:05 , Marc Mayo

There is a loud shout of ‘Erling move!’ from one of the City analysts sitting at the back of the press box, who is clearly frustrated at the centre-forward.

It has been a frustrating afternoon for the Norwegian, who has fed off scraps so far.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 75 mins

18:05 , Marc Mayo

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Eddie Nketiah and Jorginho come off.

Like for like changes and that means Kai Havertz is going up front!

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 73 mins

18:03 , Marc Mayo

Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu watch on as Martin Odegaard loses the ball.

Bernardo Silva then gives it away himself with a poor chip in the midfield, and Kyle Walker disposses Gabriel Martinelli. Defences firmly on top, here.

Jeremy Doku tries to change that and City win a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 71 mins

18:00 , Marc Mayo

No surprise to see Mikel Arteta reach for his bench shortly after that change, which has seen John Stones slot into midfield.

Kyle Walker avoids a booking for arriving late on Gabriel Martinelli but we’ll have to wait for those substitutions.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 68 mins

17:57 , Marc Mayo

David Raya punches well clear from the corner as City, in a very muted Emirates Stadium, win it back and enjoy a spell on the ball.

The incoming trio watch on as Erling Haaland pops up in the box before William Saliba intervenes.

Rico Lewis, Julian Alvarez and the lucky-to-have-got-this-far Mateo Kovacic are replaced.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 65 mins

17:54 , Marc Mayo

John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes are rising from the Man City bench to try and perk up the treble-winners’ ailing approach.

First though, Ruben Dias looks for Rico Lewis in the box and the visitors win a corner.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

17:52 , Marc Mayo

An hour gone and neither side has got close to their free-flowing best yet. Inevitably both managers thoughts may be turning to their benches. Havertz, Grealish and Doku are among the players in reserve.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 62 mins

17:52 , Marc Mayo

Neat work by Gabriel Jesus to turn his marker and win a corner off Nathan Ake.

The corner comes to nothing, however, as Oleksandr Zinchenko volleys into Row Z.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 59 mins

17:48 , Marc Mayo

A first shot of the half from City after a stellar break through Josko Gvardiol, whose ball is in nudged backwards by Phil Foden for Julian Alvarez to strike into a defender.

Erling Haaland, barely a factor in this game at all, then slips and gives the ball up to ironic cheers from the home fans.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 57 mins

17:46 , Marc Mayo

Nothing doing from Phil Foden’s ball in, which is cleared and soon scooped by David Raya.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 55 mins

17:45 , Marc Mayo

Rico Lewis bulldozes his way through the Arsenal spine and has the ball in the net, but a foul had already been given to him!

Man City will not be happy with that... although, on second view he did handball it having hit the deck under pressure from Gabriel Martinelli.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

17:43 , Marc Mayo

Martinelli has quickly made a difference, lifting the crowd and adding more of a threat to Arsenal’s front three. City look a bit flat here.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 53 mins

17:43 , Marc Mayo

Some neat touches by both teams to play it out from the back and escape pressure but neither have been able to assert themselves in attack, albeit with Arsenal starting this half the brighter side.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 50 mins

17:40 , Marc Mayo

Half a chance as Gabriel Martinelli’s corner is put right on top of Ederson, who flaps at it in the crowd. The ball falls to Martin Odegaard, who fires high and wide.

Arsenal are immediately back on City though, Martinelli driving a low shot at the goalkeeper.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 47 mins

17:36 , Marc Mayo

Already, David Raya is almost chased down in possession!

Arsenal are quickly on the front foot with Gabriel Martinelli out wide on the left. His first touch sees him square up to Kyle Walker and a cross swung in deep just beats everybody in the box.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City: Kick-off!

17:34 , Marc Mayo

Mateo Kovacic is still on the pitch for Man City, who are out first before the Gunners appear.

And Gabriel Martinelli is coming on! Leandro Trossard departs.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City: Half-time stats

17:31 , Marc Mayo

Second half coming up

17:29 , Marc Mayo

What are the odds on Pep Guardiola subbing Mateo Kovacic on a booking at the break?

It would surely have to be Kalvin Phillips coming on, with Rodri suspended. Does he trust the England man enough?

Should Mateo Kovacic still be on the pitch?

17:28 , Marc Mayo

Man City not quite firing either

17:25 , Marc Mayo

Aside from a shot cleared off the line five minutes in, Manchester City have been reasonable and efficient but not particularly inspiring.

You suspect Pep Guardiola will be delighted with a 0-0.

Not Arsenal’s best performance of the season

17:22 , Marc Mayo

There have been nervy moments for David Raya and a lack of spark going forward, which can reasonably be put down to a makeshift forward line being put out due to injuries.

We may see Gabriel Martinelli fairly soon, depending on his fitness.

The question is how much will Mikel Arteta gamble on finding a winner if this game continues at 0-0 deep into the second half...

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | Half time!

17:18 , Marc Mayo

A pretty mellow end to 45 mintues of a title clash that has threatened to take flight at points, but nothing too much to show for it. We’re goalless.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 45 mins

17:16 , Marc Mayo

All a bit quiet in north London as Arsenal knock the ball around on the verge of the break.

Eddie Nketiah, clearly offside, gets in the way of Martin Odegaard’s run to halt an attack and the board goes up for two additional minutes.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 43 mins

17:14 , Marc Mayo

Phil Foden has been a great outlet for Man City floating around on the left flank, you feel it’s a role he’s best suited to playing for England too with Bukayo Saka the favoured right-wing option.

Josko Gvardiol, nominally a centre-back when he arrived in the summer, has got up and down the left well from full-back.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 41 mins

17:11 , Marc Mayo

Chance for Man City as Josko Gvardiol swings a lovely ball in from the left...

David Raya flaps at it and Erling Haaland fails to connect! Corner ball.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 39 mins

17:09 , Marc Mayo

Erling Haaland is adamant he’s pushed by William Saliba after coming off second best in a potential breakaway for Man City.

Arsenal are back on the ball and saw two Oleksandr Zinchenko shots blocked before that moment, with the hosts upping the ante now.

Highlights: Mateo Kovacic survives VAR check for first foul

17:07 , Marc Mayo

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

17:07 , Marc Mayo

How is Kovacic still on the pitch? Another lunge on Rice looked well worthy of a second booking but Michael Oliver keeps his cards in his pocket. Arteta is hopping with fury.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 35 mins

17:06 , Marc Mayo

David Raya, not for the first time, takes his sweet time over playing the ball out and Declan Rice is fouled by Mateo Kovacic...

Surely that’s a second yellow! NO! Michael Oliver gives the City man a massive, massive let off!

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 33 mins

17:04 , Marc Mayo

Big cheer as Eddie Nketiah chases down Ruben Dias to tackle the ball into touch after a City attack is repelled by, once again, Declan Rice being in the right place at the right time.

Man City on top, just about, in the opening half hour but you sense Arsenal are capable of exploding at any minute.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

17:02 , Marc Mayo

Think Kovacic was lucky to stay on there. As we saw with Curtis Jones against Spurs, intent to play the ball is irrelevant and what matters is how dangerous the tackle was - and that one could have caused Odegaard a serious injury.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 31 mins

17:01 , Marc Mayo

VAR takes its time and sticks with the booking for Mateo Kovacic. His studs were just off the ground, probably the right call.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

17:00 , Marc Mayo

It’s take a while but Arsenal have found their feet in this game and the Emirates has woken up. The atmosphere is suddenly charged and the hosts have their tails up.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 29 mins

16:59 , Marc Mayo

Martin Odegaard is the next to demand more noise from this nervous crowd, which raises with an Oleksandr Zinchenko ball into the box. Cleared, Arsenal opt for some keep ball.

Mateo Kovacic lands a needless slide on Odegaard, late and not at all pretty. Stonewall booking dished out by Michael Oliver.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 27 mins

16:58 , Marc Mayo

Ruben Dias is the next to make an error as a ball towards Eddie Nketiah is completely missed by the defender, allowing Nketiah to lash a shot at goal.

It flies wide after he went for power over precision.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 26 mins

16:56 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Jesus punished for a shove on Phil Foden as he latches onto a Jorginho dink into the box. The whistle goes before he clips a shot against the post.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 24 mins

16:55 , Marc Mayo

David Raya again loses the ball with a lazy pass out from the back!

Declan Rice is back with a vital interception in the box as Erling Haaland lurks at the far post, and eventually the ball pops up for the goalkeeper.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 23 mins

16:53 , Marc Mayo

Bernardo Silva becomes the first City player to enter the book, for chopping Eddie Nketiah.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

16:53 , Marc Mayo

What a let off for Raya!

The Spaniard was signed to be an upgrade to Ramsdale with his feet but was at fault for Lens’ opening goal on Tuesday night with a poor pass and was so lucky his clearance came off Alvarez and into the side netting there.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 22 mins

16:52 , Marc Mayo

David Raya is getting a bit of a hurry-up from his own crowd before lofting a long pass which Phil Foden does well to win. A long ball tries to spot his run but the goalkeeper is out well.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 21 mins

16:51 , Marc Mayo

Man City are just pinning Arsenal back a bit now, in front of a nervous crowd. Ruben Dias eases the tension by floating a poor pass into touch.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 19 mins

16:49 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta has joked that he’d substitute goalkeepers at half time if it weren’t so frowned upon. That theory might be put to the test today!

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 18 mins

16:48 , Marc Mayo

SO CLOSE!

David Raya is looking shaky! And he very nearly pays the price with Julian Alvarez rushing in to block a clearance, which pings off his leg and wide of the post.

Mikel Arteta tries to gee up the crowd, not sure they were at fault for that one...

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 16 mins

16:47 , Marc Mayo

Smart ball out wide by Julian Alvarez after he rides a couple of Jorginho challenges, and Kyle Walker swings in a ball... nice and easy for David Raya to grab.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 14 mins

16:46 , Marc Mayo

This game is still on a gentle simmer with neither team pressing particular vigorously.

It’s all a bit safe and methodical from both teams, which is understandable.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 12 mins

16:42 , Marc Mayo

Eddie Nketiah fails to connect with the ball in and, after Phil Foden’s clearance goes high but not far, Arsenal’s attack eventually subsides with Ben White offside.

City want to play direct and run from the free-kick, and Foden wins a yellow card off Jorginho.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 9 mins

16:40 , Marc Mayo

A few cries of “Arsenal, Arsenal” as the hosts threaten for the first time, Gabriel Jesus winning a corner off Josko Gvardiol. Neat work from Leandro Trossard to forge that move.

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

16:39 , Marc Mayo

We don't associate Guardiola's City with route one forward but in the last meeting between the sides back in April they were hugely effective at going direct to Haaland.

The Norwegian has already demonstrated his quality in the air with a flick-on to Ake, from which the centre-half should really have opened the scoring.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 5 mins

16:36 , Marc Mayo

OFF THE LINE!

Phil Foden swings in a great corner which catches David Raya out, and Declan Rice heads Josko Gvardiol’s effort off the goalline...

City come back and Nathan Ake should hit the target - but fires over!

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 4 mins

16:35 , Marc Mayo

Earlier possession from the away team to quieten down the crowd, but a short roar emerges after Arsenal win it back.

Poor kick from David Raya gifts it back though and it’s not the first sloppy Gunners touch already.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | 2 mins

16:33 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Jesus on the right of Arsenal’s attack with Martin Odegaard floating behind him.

City have Bernardo Silva playing quite deep in the midfield amongst Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic, and Julian Alvarez on the right wing of a 4-3-3.

Arsenal 0-0 Man City | Kick-off!

16:31 , Marc Mayo

Here we go!

A warm embrace between the two managers on the touchline and the camera shows Bukayo Saka sat, contemplating on the sideline. Gabriel Jesus delivers the final words to his teammates in the Arsenal huddle, Ruben Dias likewise in the City huddle.

Michael Oliver blows his whistle and Arsenal vs Man City begins!

Kick-off coming up!

16:29 , Marc Mayo

A reminder, Arsenal haven’t won this Premier League fixture since December 2015 when Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud netted for the Gunners.

Joel Campbell and Petr Cech were in the Arsenal XI that day!

Here come the players!

16:27 , Marc Mayo

The Emirates is rammed and ready for this huge clash at the top of the table.

Both teams in their preferred home kits, they walk out the tunnel to a huge reception!

Dan Kilpatrick at Emirates Stadium

16:26 , Marc Mayo

Goes without saying that the loss of Saka is a huge blow to Arteta, who must be rueing playing the winger in the midweek Champions League game at Lens.

City are missing key players of their own in De Bruyne and Rodri but it is a measure of the strength of their squad that Saka feels like the biggest absence this afternoon.

Man City face another day without Rodri

16:25 , Marc Mayo

As the stats show, Rodri is a massive cog in the Man City machine and it shows how little faith Pep Guardiola has in Kalvin Phillips that he’s gone with teenage right-back Rico Lewis in midfield instead.

Lewis is an expert ball carrier but Arsenal will hope to take advantage of his inexperience.

Big test for Arsenal stars

16:23 , Marc Mayo

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are all missing from the XI for the hosts.

Jorginho will have a big job to keep the ball in midfield and isn’t known as a great one for the press, so City may not be too disappointed to see him come up against them today.

Eddie Nketiah is also under a fair bit of pressure to perform, with Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard the chief creative forces.

Arsenal vs Man City: Video preview

16:21 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta confirms Bukayo Saka injury latest

16:18 , Marc Mayo

“He felt something then obviously you’re tempted to risk him. But he wasn’t able to train yesterday so that put him out of the game.

“It is [a blow] but we’ve lost players in recent weeks and had to adapt to it. He’s an important player for us, no question about that, but the team has to use the resources we have.”

Arteta plots power play to finally outmuscle mentor Guardiola

16:16 , Marc Mayo

Ahead of today’s game, Dan previewed how Mikel Arteta is plotting to end a long, long winless run against Man City.

Read the full story!

Arsenal vs Man City tactics: The battle down the Gunners’ left

16:13 , Marc Mayo

Oleksandr Zinchenko is arguably Arsenal's weak link defensively and he is likely to be up against former team-mate Phil Foden, who has been on dazzling form this season.

What Zinchenko lacks in defensive quality, he more than makes up for in technical quality and his ability to invert into midfield is vital to Arsenal; but on Sunday he will be tasked with preventing Foden from pulling the strings in the final third.

Bernardo Silva in action in the warm-ups

16:09 , Marc Mayo

Pep Guardiola previews the game to Sky Sports

16:07 , Marc Mayo

“[I expect an] aggressive team, high pressing and with their fans, the quality they have makes it difficult.

“Saka’s a really important player, Martinelli’s a really important player. The same with Rodri for us but it happens. You have to handle it.”

Erling Haaland to Sky Sports ahead of the game

16:02 , Marc Mayo

“We won the treble last year and that gives us confidence. Of course it’s a new season, we have to try and play our game and that’s what we’ll do.

“It’s a bit more special when two great teams meet, I think it’s going to be a really nice game. I don’t think too much about [Arsenal], we’ll try to play our game and that’s the focus.”

Arsenal vs Man City: Countdown to kick-off

15:59 , Marc Mayo

The warm-ups are underway at Emirates Stadium with half an hour until we begin!

Full-time in the early kick-offs

15:57 , Marc Mayo

A few Premier League games kicked off at 2pm and are coming to an end, with Brighton fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool.

Likewise, West Ham have taken a point off Newcastle after Mohammed Kudus’ late strike made it 2-2 at London Stadium.

Ten-man Wolves have held on for a draw themselves, 1-1 with Aston Villa at Molineux.

Throwback: Thierry Henry does the business vs Man City

15:52 , Marc Mayo

The longest of long runs ends for Bukayo Saka!

15:47 , Marc Mayo

It’s been coming, let’s be fair, but still a huge shame for Bukayo Saka that his 87-game run of consecutive Premier League starts is over.

Rico Lewis starts in midfield for Man City

15:42 , Marc Mayo

Pep Guardiola has entrusted the 18-year-old with the Rodri role for the visitors.

Phil Foden and the returning Bernardo Silva are his chosen wingers and John Stones is among the substitutes.

No Bukayo Saka for Arsenal

15:38 , Marc Mayo

Well, we did see him enter the stadium but Bukayo Saka is NOT in the squad for Arsenal today.

However, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Martinelli are fit for the bench.

Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard will flank Eddie Nketiah in the attack with Jorginho not preferred to Kai Havertz in midfield.

How Man City line up today

15:34 , Marc Mayo

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Lewis; Silva, Foden, Alvarez; Haaland

Subs: Ortega Moreno, Phillips, Stones, Grealish, Doku, Gomez, Akanji, Nunes, Bobb

Arsenal starting line-up confirmed!

15:32 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Jorginho; Jesus, Nketiah, Trossard

Subs: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Kiwior, Partey, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Havertz, Nelson, Martinelli

The Gunners arrive in north London

15:27 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Partey set to make Arsenal squad

15:22 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Partey will make Arsenal’s squad for their key Premier League showdown with Manchester City, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed.

The Ghana midfielder has not played at all for the Gunners since the 2-2 home draw with Fulham on August 26, having picked up a groin injury in training on the eve of the visit of Manchester United to north London.

“Well, he’s ahead of schedule that’s for sure,” Arteta told reporters of Partey’s condition at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“We wanted to have him in the squad if we needed to, the way the [Lens] game panned out we had other necessities and we didn’t use him. He will be in the squad.”

Team news, up next!

Arsenal vs Man City tactics: The Declan Rice question

15:18 , Marc Mayo

With Rodri suspended, Kevin De Bruyne injured and Ilkay Gundogan gone, City will have an entirely changed midfield from the last League meeting.

Whoever Guardiola plays in the middle, Declan Rice should be confident of asserting himself on his opposite numbers and running the game.

He joined Arsenal to prove himself one as one of the best midfielders in the world. Now is his chance.

Man City without key man

15:13 , Marc Mayo

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted it will not be easy to replace Rodri as he prepares to face Arsenal.

The Spanish midfielder is an integral part of City’s system but is absent on the weekend, while he serves the second game of a three-match ban having been sent off in last month’s win over Nottingham Forest.

Guardiola said on Friday: “We will see what happens. I started to talk today with my staff [about it], we have to analyse, train this afternoon and prepare tomorrow. Rodri is one of the two or three best holding midfielders in the world so his influence on the team is going to be big.

“But he's not here. We've coped with absences in the past and we'll have to adapt.

“The team spirit is much more important than any tactic, if you have a good relationship then if one player makes a mistake your teammate is going to help you. The relationship is so important and when we have an absence as important as Rodri we need to look deep inside us to solve it.

“We cannot to start crying and complaining, we have to find a solution and 11 players will be trying to win in London.”

Bukayo Saka in the building!

15:07 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been spotted entering the Emirates Stadium as part of the Gunners squad for this afternoon’s game!

In the week, Mikel Arteta was positive about his player’s chances of overcoming an injury worry.

“He is in contention”, Arteta said. “Let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday. He had to leave the pitch and that’s never good news. Let’s see how he recovers.”

Quizzed about the details of Saka’s injury and whether the player had needed a scan, Arteta replied coyly: “I leave that to the doctors. I’m not a doctor. That’s what they told me [— that he’s fit].”

Rico Lewis hailed by Pep Guardiola

15:04 , Marc Mayo

Pep Guardiola hailed Rico Lewis after he starred in Manchester City’s win over RB Leipzig ahead of today’s game, joking the teenager “has everything” apart from height.

The City boss said: “He played good, huh? What a player. What a player - 18-years-old.

“I’ve been a manager for 14-15 year, training unbelievable players. To find a player like him in the pockets, how he has to move, moving into the spaces, he’s one of the best I’ve ever trained, by far.”

Arsenal vs Man City tactics: How to deal with Haaland

14:58 , Marc Mayo

Erling Haaland was dominant in the Premier League meetings with Arsenal last season, scoring in both matches.

Pep Guardiola bypassed Arsenal's press by going direct to the Norwegian in the game at the Etihad to devastating effect, with the Gunners simply unable to handle his physicality.

It will be up to centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel to be wise to the approach on Sunday and stop Haaland from bullying Arsenal again.

Will we be seeing Bukayo Saka in the Arsenal line-up?

14:53 , Marc Mayo

Announcement expected in about half an hour’s time...

“It’s going to be tough"

14:43 , Matt Verri

Guardiola: Arsenal have done ‘exceptional’ transfer business

14:35 , Matt Verri

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised Kai Havertz’s arrival at Arsenal ahead of this afternoon’s huge clash.

The Gunners host City looking to assert themselves in the early running for the league crown having so far gone unbeaten.

However, Havertz has failed to hit form since signing for Arsenal from Chelsea and was substituted during the midweek defeat at Lens in the Champions League.

Guardiola nonetheless highly rates his rivals’ transfer strategy after their summer deals for Havertz, Declan Rice and David Raya.

“The recruitment they have done is top, exceptional level of players,” he told reporters.

“The keeper, Havertz, Rice. They are a good team.”

Perfect afternoon for it!

14:31 , Matt Verri

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website