Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday in the first meeting between the two favourites to win the Premier League title this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side have held the edge over the Gunners over the past two seasons, but Mikel Arteta’s side have continued to strengthen and close the gap.
A victory for Man City could push them five points clear of Arsenal early in the season.
Though Arsenal could jump to the top of the pile if they beat the hosts which would mark a real statement of their credentials.
Here, Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan gives his verdict on how Manchester City’s stars have performed this season, while Isaan Khan rules the roost over Arsenal ahead of today’s massive clash.
Manchester City host Arsenal in the first clash between this season’s title favourites
Manchester City
Ederson (Age: 31; Apps: 338) – 7
A fairly gentle beginning to the season for the Brazilian, who has made 2.5 saves a game in the Premier League so far. Pep Guardiola was frustrated at his distribution against Inter in midweek but the assist for Erling Haaland during victory over Brentford underlined his ability.
Kyle Walker (Age: 34; Apps: 303) – 6
Rico Lewis has been given the shirt at right back after Walker’s late return from the European Championship and the teenager continues to impress. But Walker, who has come off the bench twice so far, worked on his fitness during the international break and played an Under-21 game at National League North side Buxton.
Kyle Walker has come off the bench twice but has been working on his fitness in recent weeks
Ruben Dias (Age: 27; Apps: 184) – 7.5
Fitted back in seamlessly after the summer break and has featured in every Premier League game up to this point. Scored an own goal in a nervous first-half display at West Ham but recovered thereafter and looks up for another long season.
Manuel Akanji (Age: 29; Apps: 102) – 8
Man of the match during the goalless draw with Inter and a strong start to the campaign, with the Switzerland international and Dias keeping John Stones out of the preferred XI at the moment. Appears to have bounced back from his Euro penalty miss with no problems.
Josko Gvardiol (Age: 22; Apps: 48) – 7.5
Ended his debut season excellently and has continued that form into his second. Strong in one-on-one duels and gives Guardiola a lively outlet on the left-hand side. Becoming a mainstay of the City back four.
Manuel Akanji has bounced back strongly from missing a penalty for Switzerland at Euro 2024
Rodri came back injured after an extended holiday and made his first start against Inter Milan
Rodri (Age: 28; Apps: 259) – 6
A softly, softly approach to his comeback from the summer. Rodri came back injured after an extended holiday but was given a first start of the year against Inter and grew into the game as it wore on.
Bernardo Silva (Age: 31; Apps: 361) – 7.5
Knits City together nicely, be it centrally or out on the right. Is just going through the gears at the moment, although was superb during the victory at Chelsea on the opening weekend. Two assists already.
Phil Foden (Age: 24; Apps: 272) – 6
Suffered from an illness for a fortnight, which set him back. Gave the Inter match a real impetus when coming on at half time and should have scored. The PFA Player of the Year now seems to have the same energy as always on the back of his finest year yet.
Phil Foden now seems to have the same energy as always on the back of his finest year yet
Ilkay Gundogan still needs time to get back up to speed after his return from Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan (Age: 33; Apps: 308) – 6.5
Will rue the misses in midweek but it’s like he has never been away after sealing that romantic return from Barcelona in August. Still needs a bit of time to get back up to speed and has admitted that City are playing in a slightly different way nowadays.
Jeremy Doku (Age: 22; Apps: 48) – 7
Has gone up a notch already this term. Frightens the life out of defenders and looks to be adding a little bit more end product – even if they haven’t converted into numbers yet. Dribbling power gives City a different dimension.
Erling Haaland (Age: 24; Apps: 104) – 9.5
A frankly astonishing start, with nine Premier League goals already and consecutive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham, before a double over Brentford. Says it’s the fittest he’s ever felt and is a sure bet for a third straight golden boot.
Erling Haaland has enjoyed a stunning start to the season with two hat-tricks and a brace
Arsenal
David Raya (Age 28; Apps: 46) – 9
The best goalkeeper in world football right now? Possibly, after a string of unbelievable saves against Wolves, Aston Villa and Atalanta. Arsenal’s most in-form player and one to definitely watch out for. Could well be the difference between the two sides.
Ben White (Age: 26; Apps: 139) – 6
An important cog in the team, as seen last season, but has started slowly by his own high standards. Played OK against Atalanta, though struggled when facing Brighton. The defender will surely step it up further.
David Raya is making case for being arguably the best goalkeeper in world football right now
William Saliba and Gabriel are telepathic and cover each other well whenever in danger
William Saliba (Age: 23; Apps: 88) – 7.5
Not many better centre-back partnerships out there. He and Gabriel are telepathic, and cover each other well when in danger. Has started well and will look to build on this. This is the perfect fixture to demonstrate his class.
Gabriel (AGE: 26; Apps: 173) – 8
Like Saliba, a mainstay in this team. His headed winning goal off a corner-kick against Tottenham was a reminder of his set-piece threat. The Gunners love a set-piece goal. Manchester City will be wary.
Jurrien Timber (Age: 23; Apps: 8) – 8
Started the last four games and has looked assured. Physically, the Dutchman is a unit. He has comeback well from an ACL injury, that ended his campaign last season, which will be a relief to Mikel Arteta as such injuries can take much out of a player.
Declan Rice (Age 25; Apps 55) – 7
A big part of the Gunners’ midfield in both defensive and attacking aspects. His one-match suspension against Spurs was felt, even though Arsenal managed to win. Even more important with Martin Odegaard out injured.
Jorginho (Age: 32; Apps: 54) – 6.5
When it comes to the big games, Arteta is partial to calling up Jorginho. He played in both league matches against Man City last season. Had a fair display against Spurs, in his only match this season, but time and again steps up to the fore when required.
Kai Havertz (Age: 25; Apps: 56) – 7.5
One of the first names on the Arsenal team-sheet these day. Of most effect leading the line up front, but can provide a physical presence in midfield. He will likely play a big part in the physical battle between the two sides.
Kai Havertz will likely play a big part in the physical battle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
Bukayo Saka showed signs of excellence during performances against Wolves and Aston Villa
Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to make the desired impact and his starting spot is at risk
Bukayo Saka (Age: 23; Apps: 231) – 7.5
Showed spurts of his brilliance against Wolves and Aston Villa. You feel that there are few more gears to go yet, though. On his day he can be unstoppable. Could Man City away bring those further gears to the fore?
Leandro Trossard (Age: 29; Apps: 73) – 7
Has had to contend with being in and out of the starting line-up. This can’t be easy to accept, but the Belgian is selfless. His clinical nature in front of goal makes him a threat all the way to the final minute.
Gabriel Martinelli (Age: 23; Apps: 173) – 6
Overall, the Brazilian has struggled to make the desired impact. His product in the box has been wayward. Will need to up his levels this Sunday urgently. His starting spot is also increasingly at risk.
