After a fiery 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on 22 september, tensions between Manchester City and Arsenal have reached a boiling point.
What started as a tactical rivalry between managers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta has now evolved into an all-out battle on and off the pitch, igniting an intense feud that shows no signs of cooling down.
This confrontation is multi-layered, stretching from the football field to the boardroom, with both sides applying the so-called dark arts of the game to gain the upper hand. The rivalry is made even more complex by Guardiola and Arteta’s shared history, with the latter having previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City.
Sparks Fly at the Etihad
The tone for a heated match was set almost immediately, with a collision between Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and City’s Rodri in the opening seconds. This off-the-ball incident was only the beginning of a match filled with controversy and aggressive play.
Two particular moments during the game ignited further tension Thomas Partey’s quick free-kick while City’s Kyle Walker was out of position, leading to an Arsenal equaliser, and Leandro Trossard’s second yellow card for time-wasting, which left the Gunners down to ten men for the majority of the second half. Both teams were left furious, City accusing Arsenal of gamesmanship and Arsenal countering that their actions were within the rules.
City were particularly aggrieved by what they viewed as Arsenal’s feigning of injuries to slow down the game. Teenage substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly was booked before he even entered the pitch after allegedly advising goalkeeper David Raya to go down and force a stoppage. Arsenal, however, claimed their injuries were genuine, pointing to the absence of key players like Raya and Jurrien Timber in the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers as evidence.
Haaland vs Arsenal A Personal Feud
One of the match’s most notable flashpoints came after City’s John Stones scored a late equaliser. City’s Erling Haaland, who had already scored the opening goal, was seen celebrating provocatively in front of the Arsenal bench. The Norwegian striker was later caught on camera telling Arteta to stay humble.
This confrontation continued into the tunnel after the match, with security personnel needing to intervene to keep things from escalating further.
Haaland’s frustration with Arsenal was evident before the game, having failed to score in three matches last season against the Gunners’ centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel. Despite his early goal, his post-match behaviour left a sour taste in Arsenal’s mouth.
Guardiola’s War Cry
Guardiola’s post-match comments have only fuelled the fire between the two clubs. When asked about the growing tension, Guardiola responded with the now infamous line You want a war Now we war.
Speaking in Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of City’s trip to Newcastle, Guardiola elaborated on his stance. The challenge Arsenal bring is one we respect, but we are not backing down. When you’re provoked, you have to respond. That’s football.
Guardiola also addressed comments made by Arsenal’s Gabriel, who called the match a battle and looked ahead to the next meeting between the two sides in february, stating, We’re waiting for them at our ground. Guardiola agreed, saying, It’s all part of the emotions. You provoke, we respond. That’s how it goes.
Arsenal’s Pragmatism Under Fire
Guardiola’s remarks were not only about the physicality of the match. City’s players, including John Stones and Bernardo Silva, have criticised Arsenal’s increasingly pragmatic style of play. Silva compared the current Arsenal to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, citing a lack of clear footballing philosophy and an emphasis on defensive tactics.
In response, Arsenal players have privately dismissed these criticisms, arguing that their approach was necessary, especially after going down to ten men so early in the match. The result, they claim, justified their game plan, having held City at bay until the dying moments.
Arteta himself, speaking before their midweek cup tie against Bolton, appeared unfazed by the criticism. I know what it’s like there, he said, referring to his time working under Guardiola at City. I’ve been there for four years. I have all the information.
Boardroom Tensions
Off the pitch, tensions between the clubs are also rising. Arsenal vice-chairman Tim Lewis reportedly left the Etihad in a hurry after Stones’ late equaliser, with reports suggesting he refused to shake hands with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Arsenal have since downplayed the incident, saying Lewis left to console his team in the dressing room.
This rivalry is not just about what happens on the pitch but extends to a broader ideological battle over the Premier League’s financial regulations. Arsenal support stricter spending limits, while City are embroiled in allegations of 115 breaches of the league’s financial rules. This off-field conflict only deepens the animosity between the two clubs.
Looking Ahead
As the war of words continues, all eyes will be on the next clash between Arsenal and City at the Emirates in february. Both teams have plenty to fight for in what has become one of the most intense rivalries in English football. With Guardiola’s declaration of war and Haaland’s provocations, this is no longer just a tactical battle—it’s personal.
