When Arsenal and Manchester City collide, it’s never just about tactics: it’s about duels, matchups, and who wins the small margins across the pitch. Sunday’s clash at the Emirates could be decided by three battles in particular: Gabriel vs Haaland, Rice vs Rodri, and Madueke vs Ake.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Key Battles
Gabriel vs Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland may not have had the blistering start of his first season in England, but his presence remains City’s sharpest weapon. The Norwegian thrives on direct service and second balls, which makes Gabriel’s role absolutely critical.
The Brazilian has been Arsenal’s enforcer for three seasons running, aggressive in duels, dominant in the air, and increasingly calm when faced with elite strikers. If Gabriel can keep Haaland away from the penalty box and deny him space to spin in behind, Arsenal take away City’s most dangerous outlet.
On the flip side, one lapse is all Haaland needs. Arsenal must protect Gabriel with cover from Rice and Saliba, but the one-on-one between these two will be a defining battle of the 90 minutes.
Declan Rice vs Rodri
Two of the world’s premier midfield anchors go head-to-head again. Declan Rice has settled into his role as Arsenal’s midfield general, covering ground, breaking up play, and offering the vertical thrust to spring attacks. Rodri, meanwhile, remains City’s metronome: dictating tempo, recycling possession, and providing defensive balance.
This duel isn’t just about tackles or interceptions. Whoever dictates the rhythm here decides which team gets to play their game. If Rice can physically dominate Rodri and push City back, Arsenal’s press will suffocate them. If Rodri gets comfortable and controls the ball, City can quiet the Emirates and force Arsenal to chase shadows.
It’s the battle of presence versus control and it could be the decisive one.
Noni Madueke vs Nathan Ake
With Bukayo Saka sidelined, the responsibility of tormenting City’s left side falls to Noni Madueke. The winger impressed against Nottingham Forest, and his direct dribbling will be key to stretching Pep’s backline.
Nathan Ake is a steady defender, physically strong and composed, but he can be vulnerable when isolated in wide areas. Madueke’s pace and unpredictability will look to expose that. If Arsenal can repeatedly get him one-on-one, it opens up the pitch for Gyökeres and Eze to exploit central spaces.
For Ake, discipline and positioning will be everything. Stop Madueke from cutting inside, and Arsenal’s right flank loses much of its danger.
Author Opinion
These three battles: Gabriel vs Haaland, Rice vs Rodri, and Madueke vs Ake, may well decide the outcome at the Emirates. Arsenal have the tools to edge them, but City’s individual brilliance is never far away. Win two of these three duels, and Arsenal likely walk away still unbeaten against Pep in 2025.
