This match analysis is built on Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). We combine tactical insights, official team updates, and verified statistics from credible football sources. Our goal is to give you a complete, reliable picture of the Arsenal vs Manchester City clash so you can follow the game with confidence.
The Premier League serves up another heavyweight battle this weekend as Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta will face his old mentor Pep Guardiola in what promises to be one of the most important fixtures of the early season. With Liverpool unbeaten at the top of the table, both Arsenal and City know that dropped points here could make the title race even harder.
This matchup has become one of the fiercest rivalries in English football over the past few seasons. Arsenal, who have finished second in three consecutive seasons, are desperate to prove they can go one better this time around. City, meanwhile, are looking to re-establish dominance after a few defensive slips earlier this campaign. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this blockbuster clash.
Arsenal Team News & Lineup
Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of this game with William Saliba returning to the starting XI. The French defender had been sidelined with a knock but comes back into the lineup, partnering Gabriel at the heart of the defence. Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber keep their places as full-backs.
The midfield remains unchanged, with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino forming a strong trio. In attack, there’s one key change as Leandro Trossard starts after scoring and assisting off the bench in midweek. He replaces Eberechi Eze. Noni Madueke stays on the right, while Viktor Gyökeres continues to lead the line.
Arsenal confirmed lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Madueke, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Arsenal substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly.
Key absentees include Martin Ødegaard (shoulder injury), while Bukayo Saka is only fit enough for the bench. Ben White also returns to the squad after a short layoff.
Manchester City Team News & Lineup
Manchester City come into this fixture unchanged from the side that beat Napoli in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola sticks with the same XI that has been in fine form, with Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.
Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jérémy Doku provide creativity and pace behind the Norwegian striker. In midfield, Rodri anchors with Tijjani Reijnders alongside him. The defence features Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, with youngster O’Reilly at full-back.
Man City confirmed lineup:
Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiol; Rodri; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Man City substitutes: Trafford, Stones, Ake, Gonzalez, Savinho, Nunes, Bobb, Mukasa, Lewis.
Key injuries include Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, and Mateo Kovačić, while Rodri shakes off a recent knock to start.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
- Arsenal: 3 wins
- Man City: 0 wins
- Draws: 2
The last time these sides met, Arsenal stunned City with a 5-1 victory at the Emirates back in February 2025. However, Pep Guardiola’s side has rarely gone winless for this long against any opponent, and they’ll be desperate to put things right.
Current Form
Arsenal’s last five (all competitions):
- Athletic Club 0–2 Arsenal
- Arsenal 3–0 Nottingham Forest
- Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal
- Arsenal 5–0 Leeds
- Man Utd 0–1 Arsenal
Man City’s last five (all competitions):
- Man City 2–0 Napoli
- Man City 3–0 Man Utd
- Brighton 2–1 Man City
- Man City 0–2 Tottenham
- Wolves 0–4 Man City
Arsenal boast one of the best defensive records in the league, conceding just once all season. Meanwhile, City’s form has been mixed, with defeats to Spurs and Brighton exposing vulnerabilities at the back. However, their attack remains lethal with Haaland already in double figures for the season.
Key Battles to Watch
- William Saliba vs Erling Haaland
Saliba’s return comes at the perfect time as Arsenal face Haaland, the most dangerous striker in world football. The outcome of this duel could decide the game. - Declan Rice vs Rodri
Two of the best holding midfielders in Europe go head-to-head. Whoever controls the midfield will likely dictate the flow of the game. - Noni Madueke vs Josko Gvardiol
Madueke’s pace and direct play will test Gvardiol, who sometimes struggles against quick wingers.
How to Watch Arsenal vs Man City
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, NOW TV
- USA: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
- Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada, Amazon Prime Video
- Mexico: Max Mexico, Amazon Prime Video
Kick-off: Sunday, Sept 21, 2025 | 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Location: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Stuart Attwell | VAR: Jarred Gillett
What’s Next?
- Arsenal travel to Port Vale in the Carabao Cup midweek before facing Newcastle United in the league.
- Man City visit Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup before hosting Burnley at the Etihad.
Prediction
Arsenal destroyed City 5–1 in their last meeting, but it’s unlikely we’ll see a repeat of that scoreline. Arteta’s men will lean on their rock-solid defence, while City will rely on Haaland’s goal-scoring touch. Both sides may cancel each other out.
Prediction: Arsenal 1–1 Man City
This could be another tight tactical battle between student and master, with Liverpool the real winners if these two drop points.
Partial Solar Eclipse 2025 Near Dawn in New Zealand
A rare celestial event will greet the skies this weekend as a partial solar eclipse unfolds across the southern hemisphere on September 21–22, 2025. For sky watchers in New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, Fiji, and Samoa, the early hours will bring an unforgettable view: the Moon appearing to take a dramatic “bite” out of the rising Sun.
