The bubbling rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City is set to be a fascinating sub plot to the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The latest installment saw the two foes battle out an incredible 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last weekend in a contest filled with drama.
John Stones' 98th minute equaliser for Pep Guardiola's defending English champions capped a rollercoaster in Manchester as Mikel Arteta once again failed to win away from home against his old mentor.
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Arsenal played the entire second-half with ten players, following Leandro Trossard's red card, and Arteta's message was clear at the break.
The Gunners held their defensive line superbly until the dying seconds as Stones eventually breached their resistance.
However, the post-game fallout saw clashes at the final whistle, with Erling Haaland tangling with former City striker Gabriel Jesus after a sharp 'stay humble' jibe at Arteta.
"Stay humble eh" 🔥
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 23, 2024
Listen to Erling Haaland's comments to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at full-time following the 2-2 draw 🚨 pic.twitter.com/sXVYrK7hw9
Arteta declined to comment on questions over Arsenal employing 'dark arts' to try and secure victory as his team dug deep and wasted time late on in the contest.
However, despite falling short in their aim of ending an Etihad Stadium hoodoo stretching back to 2015, the Arsenal squad are reportedly confident they have secured a psychological edge in the title race.
Haaland's childish stunt of throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes' head after Stones' goal and Bernardo Silva's criticism over Arsenal ambition in the game have added fuel to the fire.
As per exclusive reports from the Daily Mail, Arsenal players have exchanged pleased messages on their group chat, with one stating 'they're (City) fuming'.
Guardiola and Arteta have maintained a cordial link before and after the game, but both sets of players look ready to do it all again, with their next Premier League meeting schedule for the Emirates Stadium on February 1.
