Arsenal vs Man City LIVE: Team news and line-ups from huge Premier League clash as David Raya fit to start | OneFootball

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

Arsenal host Manchester City in a massive Premier League clash which could determine whether they can compete for the title this season.

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday saw Arne Slot’s men open a nine-point lead over the Gunners who must defeat Pep Guardiola’s team this afternoon to ensure they keep up the pace with the league leaders. Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 1-0 over Wolves in a controversial outing last time out but face one of the tougher tests of the season today.

City are starting to regain their impressive form following back-to-back victories in the league. A 6-0 mauling of Ipswich was followed by 3-1 win over Chelsea and Guardiola’s men were also victorious in the Champions League and qualified for the play-off rounds. That gives them a bit of momentum heading into the match though both clubs are finely balanced.

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

Head-to-head

Today will be the 194th official meeting between these two sides, who first faced off in 1893 as Woolwich Arsenal and Ardwick.

Much has changed since then of course, and of those 193 matches, Arsenal have won 91, with City winning 57 and 45 ending as draws.

City have not won any of the last three meetings, after September’s 2-2 draw, a 0-0 draw on their way to the title in March last season, and a 1-0 loss at the Emirates in October 2023.

Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola describes new relationship with Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal and Man City tension

Pep Guardiola insisted his relationship with Mikel Arteta is “exceptional” as he shrugged off suggestions Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday is a grudge match.

The Catalan also said City may carry on spending, despite paying out £122m in the January transfer window to bring three players to the Etihad Stadium.

City drew 2-2 with Arsenal in September in a fractious encounter that ended with Erling Haaland telling Arteta to “stay humble” and directing an insult at Gabriel Jesus.

Guardiola describes relationship with Arteta amid Arsenal and Man City tension

City and Arsenal have become rivals and met in a fractious 2-2 draw at the Etihad earlier this season

Chris Wilson2 February 2025 15:45

Previous meetings: City 4-1 Arsenal

When these two sides met in April 2023, City were hunting a treble while Arsenal had their best shot at winning the title since their last victorious campaign in 2003/04.

The Gunners entered the match as league leaders, though City had two games in hand despite the five-point deficit.

And what was billed as a potential title-decider ended up being an embarrassing day for Arteta’s side, who were blown away by Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as City romped to a 4-1 home win.

The Belgian opened the scoring on seven minutes, with John Stones doubling the lead before half-time and De Bruyne netting the third around the 54th minute.

Rob Holding managed to pull one back for Arsenal, but it was only a consolation as Haaland – who already had two assists to his name – finally got his goal to strike a devastating psychological blow to the Gunners.

(Getty Images)

Chris Wilson2 February 2025 15:40

Man City line-up to face Arsenal

Man City XI: Ortega, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Marmoush, Foden, Haaland

Mike Jones2 February 2025 15:16

Team news

The line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early 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.

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.

Chris Wilson2 February 2025 15:10