City vs Arsenal title verdict – including key game that’s already been played
Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday in a titanic tussle that will go a long way to deciding the title race.
04:00, 17 Apr 2026
Man City and Arsenal will do battle again this weekend
Sunday, April 19, is a date many at Manchester City and Arsenal will have had etched into their diaries for months. The two Premier League contenders will meet in a colossal clash that will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the title race.
City have closed the gap to the Gunners to six points and Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand as we approach the final few weeks of the campaign. The destination of the title is in the hands of both clubs heading into Sunday’s heavyweight meeting at the Etihad.
If Arsenal win, it’s tough to imagine a scenario where the Gunners blow a nine-point lead. If City prevail, they will be top of the table with a win over Burnley on Wednesday. It’s all set up for a monumental Manchester afternoon. We ask our City and Arsenal experts for their verdict on the game and the title race.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
Simon Bajkowski
Arsenal have the opportunity to kill the title race on Sunday. One win over 90 minutes and there is no way City will be able to recover a nine-point margin in six games or a six-point margin in five.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, it feels like they have to go against the grain to do it: they haven’t beaten City this season in two attempts, they haven’t won at the Etihad in forever and they are losing their strength as City are finding new energy.
It’s also clearer for City in the sense that they have to win, whereas Arsenal would remain in control with a draw. Does that muddy the thinking for Mikel Arteta and his players in the sense that playing for a draw is arguably riskier than playing to win?
I think both teams will drop points between now and the end of the season but it’s impossible to look past Sunday as the match that will decide the title. City right now look like they have the edge and that’s why – for the first time this season – I’d back them to win on Sunday and beat Arsenal to the title.
Alex James
The only team that can stop Arsenal winning the title is Arsenal. They built up such a commanding position and have had the title in their hands for months. But in recent weeks the wobbles have started and the nerves have emerged.
Mikel Arteta isn’t going to go gung-ho at the Etihad, it’s not in his nature and, despite their concerning form, he’s not about to rip up his blueprint. City have more difference-makers and home advantage, if they can deal with the set-piece threat that Arsenal possess then the game will be there for them to win.
City have clicked into gear at just the right time and, with no European football, look in ominous domestic form. I am still not convinced Guardiola’s side will reel off seven straight Premier League wins to end the campaign, but if they beat Arsenal on Sunday the psychological damage inflicted could be enough to derail the Gunners completely. It’s winner takes all.
John Cross
The sun always shines in Manchester in April. And the clouds are gathering in North London at the business end of the season.
Pep Guardiola joked about the weather after Manchester City’s win at Chelsea and said they enjoy the sunshine. They make a habit of coming through in spring, hitting form at the right time and they look as if they will do so again.
I have been saying for a while that I fancy City for the Treble – and my belief is growing that they will win the title, they have already won the Carabao Cup and are favourites to win the FA Cup.
Arsenal look a spent force. Done in. Overcooked and overtrained. They are a shadow of themselves from earlier in the season and that Carabao Cup final definitely damaged their confidence.
City have got them in their sights and I cannot see a way in which Arsenal can possibly win on Sunday. I’m going for a comprehensive City win. Guardiola’s men to win 3-0 and Arsenal’s season to take another bad turn.
Ryan Taylor
The stage is perfectly set for Arsenal to take control of the Premier League title race on Sunday, yet I still find it so difficult to envisage that happening.
It’s a mentality issue but they also have a number of high-profile injuries and are desperately out of form having won just one of their last five games in all competition.
That isn’t the form of champions and City can definitely smell blood. I just think Arsenal need to be punch perfect to get a result while City, in my book, could turn it on with relative ease as this current version of the Gunners is ponderous, knackered, short of confidence, creativity and conviction.
Pep’s men will win this I reckon, which should make things interesting but even if they do, I’m not convinced we’ve seen the last of the title twists.
Man City vs Arsenal VIP and hospitality tickets
Seat Unique offers hospitality packages for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, including ‘premium’ seats at the Etihad and complimentary food and drink.