Even though Manchester and Arsenal first met each other 34 years ago in the Premier League and have played over half a century of games between them, their rivalry has grown to the fullest only in the past decade, especially after Pep Guardiola’s former assistant at City, Mikel Arteta, joined his former club Arsenal as manager. The early years were obviously dominated by the North London club under Arsene Wenger, who still carries an unmatched supremacy in overall record. Things began to change when the Abu Dhabi-led takeover happened at City in 2008, marking the start of their era of dominance, especially after their revolutionary Spanish manager took charge in 2016. The rivalry also stemmed from some of Arsenal’s top stars being attracted towards the ambitious City project once the money started flowing, which caused friction. Presently, this fixture serves as a title decider for the Premier League or at least between the top contenders for the trophy, with Arsenal also rising under their Spanish coach over the years.
Here are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the history of the Premier League rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal:
When was the first Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal played?
The first Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal was played on 28 September 1992 at Highbury Stadium in the inaugural season. Arsenal won the game 1-0 courtesy of Ian Wright’s sixth-minute strike.
How many times have Manchester City and Arsenal played each other in the Premier League?
Manchester City and Arsenal have played each other 57 times in the Premier League.
Which team has won the most matches between Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League?
Arsenal has won the most matches played between Arsenal and Manchester City in the history of the Premier League, with 25. Manchester City has won 19 games at the same time.
Which team has registered the most consecutive wins in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Manchester City has registered the most consecutive wins in Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal, with 12 between November 2017 and April 2023. This is the longest run of any single opponent in Arsenal's Premier League history.
What is the highest winning margin in Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal?
The highest winning margin in Premier League matches between Arsenal and Manchester City is 5-0, which happened twice: Arsenal 5-0 Manchester City at Highbury in 2000 and Manchester City 5-0 Arsenal at Etihad in 2021.
Which team has scored the most Premier League goals in the matches between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Arsenal has scored the most goals in Premier League matches against Manchester City, with 82. City has found the net 75 times in this fixture.
Who has scored the most goals in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal as a player?
Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City have scored the most goals in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal, with eight.
Who has scored the most goals in a single Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal as a player?
The record for the most goals scored by a single player in a Manchester City vs Arsenal match is held by Sergio Aguero, who scored a hat-trick for Manchester City in a 3-1 victory in February 2019.
Who scored the fastest goal in the Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal?
The fastest goal in the Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal was scored by Raheem Sterling for Manchester City in just 76 seconds in the 1-0 victory at the Emirates in February 2021.
Who scored the latest goal in the Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal?
The latest goal in the Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal was scored by John Stones in the eighth minute of stoppage time past 90 in the 2-2 draw at Etihad in September 2024.
Which team has carried the longest unbeaten streak in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Arsenal holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in Premier League matches against Manchester City, with 18 consecutive matches from September 1992 to May 2006.
Which team has kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Arsenal has kept the most clean sheets in Premier League matches against Manchester City, with 17.
Who has kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal as a player?
David Seaman has kept the most clean sheets in Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal, with nine. He kept eight of them with the Gunners while the other came playing for City.
Who has managed the most Premier League games between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger of Arsenal holds the record for managing the most Premier League games between Manchester City and Arsenal, having overseen 40 games.
Which manager has won the most Premier League games between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger of Arsenal holds the record for winning the most Premier League games between Manchester City and Arsenal, with 20 victories.
Who is the youngest player to feature in the Premier League matches between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player to feature in a Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal. He set this record during Arsenal's 5-1 victory over City in February 2026.
