Manchester City vs Arsenal: Top five clashes in Premier League history

The rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal is one of the most balanced in Premier League history. Over the years, their encounters have often been tight, with many games ending in draws or decided by a single goal. This competition has not only produced thrilling matches but has also been pivotal in deciding the title winners in recent seasons. It is the ebb and flow of this rivalry that has kept fans on the edge of their seats.

In the early years, it was Arsene Wenger who put Arsenal at the top, establishing the club as one of the league’s dominant forces. However, it was Pep Guardiola who shifted the balance, guiding Manchester City to a numerical advantage in the rivalry. The narrative has shifted in with Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola at the helm as the narrative of Guru vs Apprentice is being played. In this article, we shall look at the top five clashes between Manchester City and Arsenal in Premier League history.

Manchester City vs Arsenal: Top five clashes in Premier League history

1. Manchester City vs Arsenal, 0-0 , 2024, Etihad Stadium  

The 2024 stalemate at the Etihad will be remembered as a tactical masterclass between two title contenders. Arsenal were leading the title race and this game became all important for both sides to go on to get a decisive lead. The scoreline did not reflect the entire game happenings. The match featured intense moments of quality. Arsenal’s resilient display frustrated the attacking machine of opposition. City dominated possession but couldn't break through Mikel Arteta's well-organized backline, with both teams canceling each other out in a high-stakes chess match. The tension throughout was palpable, with neither side willing to risk everything for victory.

2. Manchester City vs Arsenal 5-0, 2021, Etihad Stadium

Manchester City were already crowned as one of the toughest sides in the league to defeat and off the fresh break, they were facing Arsenal in August. The game did not display anything but the gulf of class between the clubs in 2021. Arsenal were rebuilding whereas Manchester City had the strongest side. 

Ilkay Gundogan, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, and Rodri all found the net as Guardiola's men ran riot against Arteta's side. Arsenal suffered more in the game also due to the first half red card received by Granit Xhaka allowing Manchester City to open the flood gates and thrash the opposition mercilessly.

3. Manchester City vs Arsenal 6-3, 2014, Etihad Stadium

A nine-goal thriller or a widening gulf between two sides, the game in December 2014 underlined the Pellegrini vs Wenger debate. The Cityzens were unstoppable in the game. Fernandinho, David Silva and Yaya Toure were part of a devastating attacking display. While Arsenal displayed spirit via goals from Walcott and Mertesacker, they were outgunned in the shootout.

Manchester City did not stop scoring while Arsenal continued to play the catch up game. The game inadvertently turned into City’s attack vs Arsenal’s defensive frailties. This encounter remains one of the most entertaining clashes between these giants, showcasing the Premier League at its attacking best.

4. Arsenal vs Manchester City, 1-0, 2012, Emirates Stadium 

It was a narrow victory that Arsene Wenger enjoyed in April 2012, which happened through Mikel Arteta’s spectacular long-ranger. Today, if people look at that goal, it can be considered as an irony as Arteta went on to join City as an assistant manager a few seasons later. The match had one characteristic feature. Arsenal displayed defensive character whereas Mancini’s title chasing side could not hold onto the game. Losing the game, dented City’s aspiration of winning their first-ever title. However, Manchester City went on to win the title. The game between Pellegrini vs Wenger illustrated Arsenal’s ability to rise to the occasion in one-off matches during the transition.  

5. Arsenal vs Manchester City, 5-1, 2025, Emirates Stadium

When it rains, it pours. Manchester City were having one of their toughest campaigns in recent years, and Arsenal compounded their misery. In the clash of the 2024/25 season, Arsenal hosted Manchester City in a crucial game of the campaign, with the Gunners looking to keep pace with Liverpool at the top. 

Arsenal struck early with a goal, but Haaland equalized just after halftime. However, Arsenal's midfield outran their opponents, scoring four more goals through Nwaneri, Odegaard, Lewis Kelly, and Thomas Partey to seal the victory, handing Pep Guardiola a difficult defeat to digest.