Man City vs Arsenal: History, Head-to-Head, and How to Watch

Few matchups in English football have shifted in power as dramatically as Manchester City versus Arsenal. What was once a mid-table fixture is now a title-deciding clash, shaped by a historic takeover and years of head-to-head battles.

Total matches played: 204 · Latest result: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City (21 Sep 2025) · Next scheduled match: Manchester City vs Arsenal (19 Apr 2026)

Four key data points, one pattern: the rivalry has tightened dramatically since City’s financial injection.

Has Man City ever beaten Arsenal?

Head-to-head record

• All-time meetings (all competitions): Arsenal reportedly lead with around 100 wins, Man City around 66–67, and roughly 48 draws (Sporting News; also worldfootball.net). Exact totals are date-sensitive.
• In Premier League play, City have dominated the last decade: a 14-4-2 record between 2016 and 2026 (StatMuse, football stats).

Recent meetings

• 21 Sep 2025: Arsenal 1-1 Man City (Premier League) – per match reports on worldfootball.net (football statistics site).
• Oct 2023: Arsenal won 1-0, ending an eight-year league winless run against City (The Athletic).
• Feb 2023: Man City won 3-1 at the Emirates (WhoScored, match statistics).

Historical context

The 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group transformed City from a mid-table side into serial title contenders. The Athletic notes that the rivalry now involves “fear, loathing, and a shifting of power” (The Athletic). Before 2008, Arsenal held a clear historical edge; since then, City have won 5 Premier League titles to Arsenal’s 0.

Bottom line: Yes, Man City have beaten Arsenal many times. The modern era heavily favors City, but Arsenal’s October 2023 win showed they can break the pattern. For fans expecting a comfortable City victory in the next meeting, the evidence says be cautious.

Where can I watch Arsenal FC vs Man City USA?

TV channels in the USA

Premier League matches are broadcast on NBC Sports and its sister networks. The next Man City vs Arsenal match on 19 Apr 2026 will likely air on NBC or USA Network, with streaming on Peacock (Sporting News, sports media).

Live streaming options

• Peacock – premium streaming service with live Premier League coverage.
• fuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all carry NBC channels and include Peacock in some packages.
• Check local listings closer to matchday for exact channel assignments.

Kick-off time and date

Manchester City vs Arsenal is scheduled for 19 April 2026. Kick-off time will be announced – typically a weekend slot (Saturday or Sunday) between 12:30 and 17:30 ET.

Bottom line: US viewers need NBC Sports or Peacock. For the 19 Apr match, confirm exact channel a week before.

What are Arsenal’s chances of winning?

Current form in the league

• As of Oct 2025, Man City sit 2nd (25 pts) and Arsenal 3rd (23 pts) – a one-point gap (Premier League table).
• Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates in Sep 2025 showed they can compete, but they have not won at the Etihad since 2015 (The Athletic).

Key injuries and suspensions

As of writing, no major injury updates have been released for the April clash. Arsenal will hope to avoid defensive injuries given City’s depth.

Head-to-head analysis

Over the last 10 Premier League seasons, City have won 14 of 20 meetings (StatMuse). However, recent draws (including 1-1 and 0-0) suggest the gap is narrowing. The Athletic describes the rivalry as “now a genuine two-way contest” (The Athletic).

Bottom line: Arsenal’s chances are better than in past years, but the Etihad curse remains. For the 19 Apr match, a draw seems the most likely outcome based on recent form.

Is Man City bigger than Arsenal?

Trophies comparison

• All-time: Arsenal have 13 top-flight league titles; Man City have 10 (Sporting News).
• Since 2010: Man City have won 8 Premier League titles; Arsenal have won 1 (2015-16).
• FA Cup: Arsenal lead 14 to 7.
• European: Arsenal have 0 Champions League titles; Man City have 1 (2023).

Global fanbase and revenue

Both clubs rank in the top 10 richest globally. Transfermarkt (football market data) lists comparable squad values, with City slightly ahead. Arsenal’s global fanbase, built over decades, remains massive, while City’s has grown rapidly since 2008.

Stadium capacity and attendance

The Emirates holds 60,704; the Etihad holds 53,400. Arsenal regularly sell out; City’s average attendance has risen above 53,000 in recent seasons.

Bottom line: By historical trophies, Arsenal are bigger. By recent success and financial power, Man City are bigger. For the neutral, the answer depends on which era you judge.

Who is Man City’s greatest rivalry?

Manchester United rivalry

The Manchester derby is historically City’s biggest rivalry. It dates back to 1881 and carries deep local identity. In recent years, however, the competitive stakes have lessened as City have surpassed United.

Arsenal rivalry

Since 2008, City vs Arsenal has evolved into a title-deciding fixture. The Athletic describes it as “a rivalry of fear and loathing” (The Athletic). Many fans now rank it above the derby.

Liverpool rivalry

City vs Liverpool was the defining rivalry of the 2018–2020 period, with both teams hitting 90+ points. It remains intense but has cooled slightly.

Bottom line: For modern City fans, Arsenal is arguably the top rival. For history, it’s United. For drama, it’s Liverpool.

Timeline: Key turning points in the rivalry

• 1893 – First meeting between the clubs. (11v11, football match archive)
• 2008 – Abu Dhabi United Group takes over Manchester City, sparking massive investment (The Athletic).
• 2018 – Guardiola’s City win the Premier League with 100 points; Arsenal finish 6th. (Sporting News)
• 2023 – City win the treble; Arsenal finish 2nd in the league. (Sporting News)
• 21 Sep 2025 – Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City, a result that keeps both in the title race. (worldfootball.net)

What’s certain, what’s not

Confirmed facts

• Man City have beaten Arsenal in multiple matches since 1893 (worldfootball.net).
• Arsenal have not won at the Etihad since 2015 (The Athletic).
• The rivalry intensified after 2008 (Sporting News).

What’s unclear

• Which team will win the next meeting?
• Who will finish higher in the 2025-26 season?
• Is Man City now historically bigger than Arsenal?

Expert perspectives

“We showed character and quality against a top side.”

– Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, after the 1-1 draw in Sep 2025 (The Athletic)

“Arsenal are always tough opponents; the games are always tight.”

– Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager (Sporting News)

For fans of both clubs, the next encounter on 19 Apr 2026 is pivotal. For Arsenal, the key is finally conquering the Etihad. For City, maintaining home dominance is essential to keep Arsenal at arm’s length in the title race.

Frequently asked questions