Arsenal and Manchester City have established a high-class rivalry in the Premier League in recent seasons, and they will add another chapter with a clash at the Emirates Stadium in London on the evening of Sunday, 2 February 2025.
Match background
Meetings of these two clubs in recent seasons have been effective ‘title deciders,’ but that is not so much the case this time around.
The Gunners have failed to reach the standard that they have maintained for the past couple of campaigns, while the Citizens’ reign as four-time successive champions of the league is set to come to an end this season.
But as two heavyweights chasing momentum and a place in the top four of the standings, this match still has major prestige and importance—and no little needle, with City boss Pep Guardiola declaring “war” after the teams’ tempestuous 2-2 draw back in September.
What the teams are saying
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on his respect for his counterpart at Man City:
“I respect [Guardiola] profoundly. I am so grateful for everything he did for me and continues to do for me, and I consider him a friend. I love and respect all of the staff there because I worked with them for four years, and when I said that I know them, I meant I know how hard they work.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the aggression between the teams:
“I would say that sometimes the emotions are so there. Gabriel [Arsenal defender] said it perfectly after the match: ‘This is a war; we are here to provoke the opponent, to push them,’ and at the end, what can you do? So, we have to, okay, you provoke me, okay, I’m there. You want a war? Now we war. So, what do I have to do?”
Players to watch
Martin Odegaard – Arsenal
Arsenal simply do not look the same team when Martin Odegaard is not in the line-up.
The Norwegian not only possesses superb movement and passing but also sets the tone for the press.
Phil Foden—Manchester City
After a quiet first half of the season, Phil Foden appears to be ‘getting his groove back’ and will be hungry to make a major impact in this clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.
Head-to-head
In head-to-head stats, Arsenal and Man City have met in 212 matches across all competitions since 1893. The Gunners have claimed 100 wins compared to 65 for the Citizens, while 47 games have been drawn.
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The teams’ most recent meeting was the above-mentioned 2-2 draw in September 2024. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four matches against City in all competitions.
Catch the action Live on Supersport this Sunday 2nd February starting from 7:30pm EAT.
A win for either side will for sure revive their title-chasing ambitions, with a loss dimming their chances to catch up with leaders Liverpool.
:Courtesy of Showmax
