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:
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
A lovely little turn from Gabriel on the edge of the box plays in Timber, but he can’t create anything and has to settle for a corner, which eventually comes to nothing.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 18:13
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
A nice combination in attack between Odegaard, Havertz and Lewis-Skelly, before Gabriel wins a free-kick.
Arsenal make their first changes of the evening as Odegaard and Trossard make way for Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 18:11
Arsenal 4-1 Man City
The ball breaks free to Odegaard midway into the City half but he misses the run of Trossard, who would have been clean through, and instead sees his pass to Havertz cleared before Arsenal win a corner.
From the set-piece, Gabriel tries the extravagant overhead effort, but he can’t connect with it properly.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 18:08
GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Man City
GOAL! Brilliant from the hosts and that is the result wrapped up.
Arsenal win the ball on the edge of their box and there’s acres of space ahead of Partey. He only has to play one pass and Havertz is 1-v-1 with Ortega.
He races into the box and cuts back outside before rifling an effort into the far corner.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 18:05
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
Some great play from Timber to win a corner when isolated, and Arsenal fans are enjoying themselves at the moment.
From the set-piece, Odegaard’s ball in is punched away by Ortega, but Arsenal win it back immediately.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 18:01
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
A needless booking for Odegaard, who thinks he’s won the ball on the edge of the box and is booked for dissent.
City make two changes, as Foden and Marmoush make way for Kevin De Bruyne and James McAtee.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 17:59
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
Rice’s ball in is cleared by Kovacic at the near post, but Arsenal will come again.
We’re about to see the first changes of the day.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 17:58
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
CLOSE! A great chance for Arsenal and a great save too.
The Gunners go on the counter and Rice looks up to see Martinelli racing through. He threads in the pass but it’s not a perfect ball, forcing the Brazilian a little wide, and his shot across goal is saved well by Ortega.
Moments later, Trossard wins a foul on the wing, near the corner flag.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 17:56
Arsenal 3-1 Man City
Another period of sustained City possession that is lacking in threat at the moment. It ends with Savinho fizzing in a pass that Gvardiol can’t control.
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 17:54
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Man City
GOAL! A brilliant goal to put the hosts 3-1 up!
It’s one of the first times when Arsenal have put some pace and directness into the attack, and it’s paid off.
Rice fires in a pass to Lewis-Skelly in the box on the half-turn. He stands up Stones and curls an effort goalwards, and Ortega can only force it onto the post and in for 3-1!
Chris Wilson2 February 2025 17:51
