Arsenal v Man City reaction as Pep Guardiola's men go top of Premier League

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Odegaard makes brutal admission

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard made the stark admission that Manchester City were just too good for them in Wednesday's Premier League summit meeting.

City ran out 3-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium to leapfrog the Gunners and move to the top of the table on goal difference, with the reigning champions now seen by many as the overwhelming favourites to win what would be a fifth title in six seasons.

Pep Guardiola's side took the lead in north London when Kevin De Bruyne pounced on a poor backpass from Takehiro Tomiyasu and lofted the ball over a stranded Aaron Ramsdale.

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Haaland 'forgets' Guardiola instructions

Erling Haaland insisted he "couldn't remember" Pep Guardiola's half-time tweaks when quizzed on Manchester City's win at Arsenal.

The champions were able to deliver a dogged performance as they saw off Arsenal 3-1 - the Gunners' first defeat in the league at the Emirates this term. Haaland and Jack Grealish scored second-half goals after the hosts were the better side in the first 45 minutes.

Guardiola was able to get his players in and regroup at the interval, after Bukayo Saka had cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne's opener, and made some tactical tweaks. They clearly didn't stay with his striker however, who was at a lost to recall them.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

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Player ratings from titanic clash

Reigning champions Manchester City moved ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win in North London.

Arsenal were the top flight's star turn in the opening half of the season, but defeat at Everton and a draw with Brentford ahead of this match have seen questions asked of their title credentials - particularly with Pep Guardiola's side in close proximity. And City, champions in four of the last five seasons, were too smart and too streetwise for Mikel Arteta's side, as they swept to victory.

Kevin De Bruyne had put City in front before Bukayo Saka levelled for Arsenal from the penalty spot – but the visitors would strike twice after the break as Jack Grealish and Haaland, an injury doubt ahead of the game, secured a vital three points.

Arsenal have now lost three of their last four in all competitions as their title tilt has taken a wobble, although they only sit second by virtue of a worse goal difference and do have a game in hand on Guardiola’s men.

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Why Ederson was not sent off

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson escaped a red card when he gave away a penalty at Arsenal, despite the Brazilian having already been booked.

The City stopper was initially cautioned for time-wasting just 36 minutes into clash, when City were 1-0 up courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne's well-taken lofted effort.

But when he then collided with Eddie Nketiah in the City box and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, many Gunners fans expected to see a second yellow brandished in Ederson's direction.

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Talking points

Manchester City are back on top of the Premier League after producing a display of champions at Arsenal.

There had been huge anticipation in the lead up to this - the first league meeting of the two title protagonists - and it was the champions who dealt the champions elect a timely blow. Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish scored second-half goals to secure a massive win in a clash that ebbed and flowed for long periods.

Arsenal will have felt aggrieved to go behind when Kevin De Bruyne pounced on an error to give the visitors the lead, but Bukayo Saka's penalty late in the first-half meant the hosts went into the interval deservedly level.

They continued to push with Eddie Nketiah unable to get onto a cross that was begging for a touch. Grealish produced the game's major moment midway through the second 45 when he finished first time, owing to a slight deflection, past Aaron Ramsdale.

Erling Haaland, without a goal in three games, then produced a neat touch and finish to all but seal the three points as City ran over to celebrate in front of the travelling fans. Arsenal, who for so long have enjoyed a comfortable lead, are now reliant on winning their game in hand to resist the City charge.

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Full-time! City claim a huge win

That's full-time, Manchester City have claimed a huge win over Arsenal. Goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland hand them a crucial three points.

GOAL MAN CITY

Erling Haaland strikes and the title race has been reignited! Surely that's all three points sealed for Man City? Arsenal 1-3 Man City

GOAL MAN CITY

Jack Grealish puts City back in-front. Arsenal 1-2 Man City

Penalty overturned

Replays show Haaland was offside so the penalty is overturned. Arsenal 1-1 Man City

PENALTY MAN CITY

Gabriel has brought down Haaland and Man City have a penalty!

Back underway

We're back underway at the Emirates! A mouthwatering second-half awaits. Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Half-time

That's a half-time after a pulstating first period. De Bruyne put City ahead with a brilliant finish after Tomiyasu's mistake, before Saka coolly slotted home the equaliser from the penalty spot. Arsenal 1-1 Man City

GOAL ARSENAL

Saka steps up and slams the ball home. A level game. Arsenal 1-0 Man City

PENALTY ARSENAL

PENALTY ARSENAL! Anthony Taylor points to the spot, looks like it's for Ederson's tackle on Eddie Nketiah. Arsenal 0-1 Man City

GOAL MAN CITY

Manchester City strike first! Awful error from Tomiyasu and Kevin de Bruyne lifts it over Ramsdale. Arsenal 0-1 Man City

Concerning sight for Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale is down clutching his foot. His boot is off with the medical team checking on him. A concerning sight for the Gunners. Arsenal 0-0 Man City

Breathless opening

It's been a breathless start to the game. Both teams are flying forward though neither has had a clear-cut chance yet. Tackles are also flying in, with Arsenal winning a number of free-kicks. Arsenal 0-0 Man City

Kick-off!

We're underway at the Emirates Stadium, a huge clash is in store between Arsenal and Manchester City.

Shearer sends Arsenal warning

Alan Shearer has warned Arsenal a defeat tonight would be more damaging to them than title rivals Manchester City.

"Probably Arsenal because City have been in this position before. They’ve been chasing, they’ve been the leader, so they know how to react in difficult situations," he told Amazon Prime.

"Whereas this Arsenal team, other than the last couple of results it’s all been great for them, their performances have been great and they’ve been hearing everyone say really nice things about them. This might change if they don’t get the result tonight, so in answer to your question, Arsenal."

Line-ups revealed

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah.

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo, Mahrez, Grealish, Haaland.

Arteta speaks on Partey absence

"It's what happens in football. Unfortunately Thomas felt something in his back muscle and he wasn't available to play today," he told Amazon Prime.

Arteta's Partey fears confirmed

Jorginho has come in for his first start for Arsenal as the Gunners take on Manchester City, with Thomas Partey absent with a muscular injury.

Partey trained with his Gunners team-mates on Tuesday, but is missing from Mikel Arteta's squad for the game.

The 29-year-old has started 18 of Arsenal's 21 matches in the Premier League this season, and has been a key figure in their rise to the top of the table.

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Barcelona release statement explaining payments referee's company

Barcelona have failed to deny reports that they made secret payments to a company owned by a LaLiga refereeing chief.

Instead, the Catalan giants have insisted that the payments were a "normal practice" and describe them as being for advice. They have also suggested the report is designed to destabilise their season and have threatened legal action against those suggesting anything untoward with the payment.

The payments span across a two-year period and were made to a company owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. At the time, he was vice president of the Technical Committee of Refeeres (CTA) at the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

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Liverpool eye Sporting Lisbon star

Liverpool sent a scout to watch Sporting Lisbon's clash with Porto as they eye young centre-half Goncalo Inacio.

The Sporting defender has enjoyed a rapid rise and is attracting plenty of interest. The Reds sent someone to watch him in the flesh and, after seeing him up close, a move for the 21-year-old is now being considered, according to Correio da Manhã.

Inacio has a €45m release clause, but Sporting may be open to other offers. Despite their recent domestic success the Portuguese outfit look set to miss out on the Champions League as they currently sit fourth. That will have financial implications that could see them cash in on their major assets.

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Man Utd's squad to face Barca

Manchester United head to Barcelona in fine form but with injuries and suspension ensuring a headache for boss Erik ten Hag.

With Marcel Sabitzer unavailable due to suspension and Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay injured, the central midfield trio that the Dutchman will use at Camp Now practically picks itself, with vice-captain Bruno Fernandes, former Real Madrid man Casemiro and Fred all set to start. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo is the only outright central midfielder who has travelled as cover.

In defence, the absence of Lisandro Martinez - having landed himself three yellow cards during the group stage - means Ten Hag must decide on the make up of his backline. Does he start with Luke Shaw at centre-back - as he did in the win at Leeds on Sunday - or move the England international back to his more nominal position at left-back?

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Arsenal suffer huge blow for City clash

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to miss Wednesday night's huge clash against Manchester City with a muscular injury.

The Gunners welcome the reigning champions to the Emirates Stadium sitting three points ahead of them in the table, but knowing that they will be usurped at the top should City beat them.

Partey trained with his Gunners team-mates on Tuesday, but is expected to be missing from Mikel Arteta's squad for the game.

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Arteta urged to drop Zinchenko for City clash

Mikel Arteta should drop Oleksandr Zinchenko for Arsenal's clash with Manchester City, according to Arsenal legend Tony Adams.

The Ukrainian made the switch from Manchester to north London in the summer and has played his part in a sensational campaign thus far for the Gunners. Arsenal are yet to face City in the league ahead of their showdown at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

A win for the visitors would see them go top, albeit they'd have played a game more. Arsenal have excelled against their main rivals on their own patch this term. They've beaten Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United - with Adams highlighting how Takehiro Tomiyasu played a crucial part in those wins.

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Cancelo breaks silence on Guardiola bust-up

Joao Cancelo has opened up on his Manchester City exit and insisted that any talk suggesting he fell out with boss Pep Guardiola is a "complete lie".

The Portugal international joined German giants Bayern Munich on loan for the remainder of the season at the tail-end of the January transfer window in a move that sparked plenty of surprise from fans and pundits alike. As a result, the rumour mill went into overdrive with theories that Cancelo's relationship with Guardiola had suffered a breakdown.

It had been reported that the pair came to verbal blows after Cancelo found out he was not in the starting line-up for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Arsenal. However, the full-back did not say as much and instead chose to thank the City boss, while claiming he departed simply in search of game time.

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Man Utd jet out to Barcelona

A depleted Manchester United will be looking to overcome injuries and suspensions as they head to Barcelona for the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

Erik ten Hag's side picked up 15 points from a possible 18 in their group, but it was not enough to deny Real Sociedad top spot and a bye to the last 16. As a result, they need to get through two legs against a Barcelona side who have dropped down to the Europa League after finishing third behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in their Champions League group.

United already knew they would be without Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez for the first leg, but several others are also unlikely to feature. On-loan midfielder Sabitzer is unavailable after picking up a yellow card suspension with parent club Bayern, while Martinez earned his third booking of the competition in United's final group game and will also be sidelined.

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