Man City 0-0 Arsenal – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as champions…

Right, we are back underway.

Will the game open up in the second half? I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope so.

John, from London: What times Haaland coming on?

I must admit, it has been a quieter than usual showing from Erling Haaland.

Both sides have vented their frustration at proceedings so far.

Both sides’ free-flowing footballing styles haven’t come to fruition just yet, they normally both always score.

Will Martin Odegaard’s anger turn to elation after the break?

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Cheif Sports Writer, at the Etihad Stadium:

Enthralling half. But hot a thriller. Both teams are so good they are cancelling each other out. Perhaps the most notable thing about it is the difference to the last game between the two teams here. City felt a class above that day. A year on and the gap has closed.

Although we may not have witnessed bags of chances, we have seen some very strong tackles.

The atmosphere seems to get very loud when a challenge comes crunching in.

Sometimes, that helps bring the game to life a bit more.

Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at the Etihad Stadium

Arsenal have been conservative in their set up here. Saka’s been disciplined rather than dynamite down the left. Same goes for Jesus down the opposite flank. Their caution is understandable, of course.

This is the Etihad after all. But if they release the handbrake in the second half, you feel they can get at City’s depleted defence.

I was right, there wasn’t.

It has been a rather tame afternoon at the Etihad so far, it’s extremely cagey. it feels like a cup final.

Both sides are keeping their cards close to their chest it seems, trying to see who will blink first.

Neither has of yet, maybe it will become more free-flowing in the second period.

I hope it does, selfishly.

We have just two minutes more of this first-half left.

Maybe we will get some drama before the break, but it isn’t looking likely.

If you think about all the drama we have seen over this Premier League weekend, you’d be forgiven for thinking this one would top the lot.

However, it isn’t living up to its billing so far. Just the seven shots between the teams.

Jack Gaughan, Mail Sport, at the Etihad Stadium:

It’s not often you see Arsenal this deep and this compact but they’ve probably had the better opportunities. Feels like something has to give at some point.

Lovely bit of play there by Bernardo Silva, he dances in front of a few Arsenal Players, and he’s teasing them!

I like to call him ‘Happy Feet’.

Rodri then nods wide with a tough chance.

I’ve barely heard Erling Haaland’s name so far, but he just sprung into life a little there.

The ball is whipped in by Josko Gvardiol and the Norweigan leaps like a salmon to meet it, but even he couldn’t stretch enough to guide it on target.

better though, from City.

Arsenal are definitely looking the more threatening side at the moment.

It’s Gabriel Jesus again involved as he tries to dance around the City defence on the edge of the area.

He goes for goal, but his shot is blocked before Bukayo Saka is then ruled offside.

Things are starting to happen for the Gunners.

That’s a big chance for Arsenal.

The Gunners are starting to flow forward more frequently and Jakub Kiwior sets up Gabriel Jesus to let fly.

The former City man opens up the space and tries to bend it into the far corner from the edge of the area, he very nearly managed it.

Jesus is desperate for a goal on Easter Sunday…

Man City defenders are dropping like flies.

Nathan Ake is down injured and he can’t continue, Rico Lewis comes on to replace him.

The injuries are starting to rack up for the hosts.

Moments later a couple of tackles go flying in from Arsenal players and the crowd responds in anger.

That was just what we needed to bring this game to life.

Arsenal look like their best avenue forward is via the counter and they used it to very good effect there.

Martin Odegaard goes forward and the ball is slid through to Kai Havertz. As the German forward reaches to try slide it home, he slides straight into Bryan Ortega.

That one has got to hurt.

What a tackle from Josko Gvardiol.

The Croatian defender slides in on Bukayo Sake with perfection to nab the ball from the England star and halt a counter-attack.

I do love a good slide tackle, sometimes they are extremely aesthetically pleasing.

Of course, after I say nothing has been happening, Nathan Ake comes close to opening the scoring for Man City.

The ball is whipped in from the corner and Ake shoulders it straight at David Raya from within the six-yard box.

If Ake connected with that better, it would be 1-0.

The way I would describe this game at the moment is all bark no bite.

Lots of passing, mainly from Mancity, and crosses being launched into the box, but no real big chances – bar the Jesus effort – so far.

Arsenal will be happier with the first 15 minutes.

Despite all the possession and the pressure from City, we have to note that they are yet to have shot.

The only shot of the game so far has come from Arsenal. It’s only been 11 minutes though, they will come.

The crowd has quietened down at the Etihad, as has the football.

Oooh… Gabriel Jesus has had his first chance.

Arsenal get forward with fluidity before Decland rice lofts a cross into Jesus, but he fires narrowly wide.

Arsenal will be pleased to have got up the other end, it seems to have calmed the game down.

It’s Man City with the bit between their teeth at the moment.

The free-kick came to nothing before a couple of crosses go swinging into the area following a corner.

You feel Arsenal will have to ride out this first initial wave of City attacks.

Jakub Kiwior flies into a challenge and mistimes it, taking out Bernando Silva. I don’t know how but he has avoided a booking.

This free-kick is in a dangerous position on the right.

A first bit of action for Erling Haaland.

He races through and then flies to the ground after contact with William Saliba.

However, the flag goes up for offside. It wasn’t a foul anyway.

Who will come out on top in this battle of the title contenders?

It’s going to be a hectic game – I imagine – I love them.

Here we go then, the teams are out.

The atmosphere could get loud in the Etihad today, we have already heard some fans boo the Premier League anthem.

There is also a banner in the Manchester City end against season ticket prices.

Now it’s time for ‘Blue Moon’…

Erling Haaland is the most prolific striker in the world, there is no question about that.

He has scored against every league side he has faced, however, he didn’t manage to find the back of the net against the Gunners back in October.

Haaland certainly doesn’t like to draw blanks, so will be after revenge today.

Can Arsenal keep him out?

We all know Liverpool fans will now turn their attention to this game after going top of the league.

It seems Alexis Mac Allister will too, he said to Sky Sports:

If I get home in time I will watch it of course because I like to watch football. And I think this is a great football match. So I will watch it, enjoy it and then the result is not the most important thing.

Anonymous: I think a draw would be a fair and favourable result.

I’m going to guess this is a Liverpool fan…

Warm-ups are underway, the anticipation is building.

I can’t wait for this one, can’t we just skip the normal process before the game and fast-forward to kick-off?

They don’t really need to warm up, do they?

Earlier this week we wrote a feature on the battle between Rodri and Declan Rice… it feels like everybody has been talking about it.

I have already written a post on the two, but I want to hear what you think.

Who would you rather have in your side?

This is what is at stake for both Manchester City and Arsenal.

It won’t be decided today, and don’t forget about Liverpool, but both sides will be desperate to make sure they don’t slip up today.

The pressure is on, the trophy is in the building.

Today of all days would be a perfect one for Gabriel Jesus to return to action.

Jesus hasn’t started a Premier League match since late January, but he is being trusted by Mikel Arteta today.

It’s not been the best of seasons for the 26-year-old, he has only netted four Premier League goals this season.

Can he add to that tally against his former side?

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Cheif Sports Writer, at the Etihad Stadium:

The Liverpool-Brighton match is not being shown on the concourses at the Etihad but it might as well be. Inside and outside the ground, on the trams coming to the stadium, fans are monitoring what is going on at Anfield.

This could be a pivotal day in the title race, especially as City-Arsenal marks the last time two of this season’s big three will face off against each other during this campaign. This was where the title dream effectively came to an end for Mikel Arteta’s team last April but there is a feeling they are made of sterner stuff almost one year on.

Jack Gaughan, Mail Sport, at the Etihad Stadium:

A bit of confusion here in the hour before the teams came out as it emerged that Ederson hadn’t made it – despite Guardiola’s suggestion that he was “much, much better”.

And John Stones is on the bench – despite Guardiola ruling him out. Fun and games.

Well, well, well… a familiar face returns to the Etihad as Gabriel Jesus starts for Arsenal.

Going by the line-up it looks like the former City man will be deployed at left wing, very interesting.

Gabriel Martinelli is fit enough for the bench and that squad is very strong, if I may say so.

Pep Guardiola loves the mind games.

So, John Stones is fit enough to make the squad, however, Ederson is not.

It looks like Josko Gvardiol will be deployed at left-back while Manuel Akanji fills in for the injured Kyle Walker.

There is so much talent in this side.

Arsenal have arrived and going by the stern look on their faces they mean business.

I suspect Mike Arteta will deploy his full-strength side today at the Etihad, we will find out in just five minutes.

Arsenal fans, who do you want to see start?

It seems rather peaceful inside the ground at the moment. I can assure you, it won’t be later.

Arsenal haven’t won here since 2015 – they will be desperate to change that today.

Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at the Etihad Stadium

There’s an opportunity for Arsenal today. Indications on Thursday were that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes would be available today following their respective injuries.

City, in contrast, have injury concerns. You get the sense the stars are aligning for Arsenal. Big day ahead.

Oh hello, was Pep Guardiola having us on?

Jack Gaughan, Mail Sport, has revealed that John Stones is with the squad at the Etihad.

Will he be fit enough for the bench, or to even start?

The international break was not kind to Manchester City.

Both Kyle Walker were forced off during England’s matches against Brazil and Belgium.

Many thought that maybe they would magically be fit for today’s big clash, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed that is not the case.

Ederson is much better but Kyle and John are out. It is what it is.

For Kyle, it will be tougher than John (in terms of recovery), but I don’t know for how many games he will be out.

I love little graphics like this, they are snazzy.

This one put together by Manchester City shows their dominance in this fixture in recent times.

What this also lets us know is to expect goals!

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta nearly won everything together at Manchester City.

Now, their respective teams are battling against each other ‘hammer and tong’ for the Premier League title.

It’s clear to see Arteta has taken a lot from Guardiola, but is now spreading his own wings and has created a clear Arsenal identity.

I must say, I didn’t envisage Arteta being as much of a success as he has, but boy has he proved me wrong.

That success will be rubber-stamped if he brings the title back to the Emirates.

You feel the Gunners can’t lose today if they are to make that happen.

There is no doubt that Arsenal have struggled against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City over the years.

City have won 12 out of the last 13 meetings between the sides, so it has been pretty one-sided.

What happened in that one other fixture, you ask?

Well, that match happened earlier this season, and Arsenal finally got their win against the Champions thanks to Gabriel Martinelli.

It’s fair to say that there was the definition of ‘limbs’ that day from the supporters.

They were incredible scenes, can Arsenal repeat the trick today?

There are going to be battles all over the pitch today, but none more pivotal than the one between Rodri and Declan Rice.

The two players are arguably the best in the division at what they do, and it will be interesting to see what happens when they collide today.

We were robbed of seeing a showdown between the two players when Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0 earlier in the season, as Rodri missed the match through injury.

I feel whoever wins this battle, will win their team the game.

Jack Gaughan, Mail Sport, at the Etihad Stadium:

The press room filling up already, still two hours to go.

This just shows how big today is…

I was just about to post that Liverpool were behind at Anfield, Luis Diaz has just changed that.

Danny Welbeck stunned Anfield into silence after just two minutes to fire Brighton into the lead.

However, Diaz has just fired Liverpool level and got the crowd going again.

The Reds can’t afford to slip up with their title rivals facing off later today.

To follow the enthralling match at Anfield, check out our live blog below.

At the start of the day, just one point separates the top three in this incredible title race.

Today is the final time any of these three will face the other, we have to savour it. They have all been sensational this season.

How will the top three be looking come 6.30pm?

There are three teams in this title race, so technically this isn’t a ‘title decider’, but it may as well be.

Whoever wins today will go a long way to boosting their Premier League title hopes. This match is massive.

With only 10 games to go, any slip-up now could be catastrophic.

These two battled it out last season for the title with City coming out on top in the end.

However, could this year be different, have Arsenal learned from their failures of last year’s run-in?

The anticipation for this one is through the roof.

This is the match we have all been waiting for.

Ever since the final whistle was blown on Liverpool and Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Anfield, all eyes have been on the monumental clash between the Citizens and table-toppers Arsenal.

The stakes are at their absolute highest. Arsenal win, they go four points clear of City in third. City win, they leap-frog Arsenal, but until we know the result between Liverpool and Brighton, we don’t know into which place.

This campaign’s three-way title race is one of the best we have ever witnessed, will today open it up once more, or close the gaps even tighter?

There is no better way to celebrate Easter than to follow a title six-pointer while scoffing Easter eggs – I have mine on standby at home.