Man City vs Arsenal head to head: A comparison of two of the greatest teams in the EPL

Man City vs Arsenal head to head: A comparison of two of the greatest teams in the EPL

Lenah Ann
updated at May 13, 2024 at 5:07 AM
In this article:
Manchester City logo
Manchester City
England
26
Arsenal logo
Arsenal
England
31
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
English EFL Trophy logo
ENG EFL Trophy
England
Kevin De Bruyne logo
K. D. Bruyne
Manchester City logoMBelgium logo
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA Champions League

Manchester City and Arsenal's rivalry is a story of two of the greatest EPL teams in soccer history. This dynamic can be seen in the Man City vs Arsenal head-to-head matches, highlighting both sides' success. The Sky Blues have seen a dramatic turnaround in recent years thanks to significant investments from an affluent owner, while the Gunners had years of success under Arsène Wenger's leadership.

Man City vs Arsenal logo
A Manchester City logo (L) on a corner flag on 4 May 2024. On the right is a detailed view of the Arsenal logo on 21 April 2024. Photo: James Baylis, Patrick Khachfe. (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

As both clubs compete for dominance in the English Premier League, their rivalry grows more intense. Fans are enthralled with the drama and spectacle on the field as each match presents an opportunity for supremacy and bragging rights.

Man City vs Arsenal head to head 2023/24 season

During the 2023/24 season, the Sky Blues faced the Gunners in two EPL matches. They first met on 8 October 2023, where the Gunners won 1-0, and on 31 March 2024, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

The Sky Blues are well-known for their outstanding home record this season, 16 victories in 20 games. They have dominated their recent Premier League meetings with the Gunners, winning 83% of their previous six head-to-head meetings.

Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes during a match
Manchester City's Erling Haaland (L) and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match on 31 March 2024. Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt
Source: Getty Images

With an average of 2.67 goals in their past three home games, City has been successful in the attacking department. In contrast, 67% of the Gunners' last six games have seen over 2.5 goals scored.

Man City vs Arsenal head to head all time

As documented by Sporting News, the two English giants have played each other 211 times in their history. Their first encounter occurred in 1893 when the teams were known as Woolwich and Ardwick.

Of the 211 matches, City won 65, and Gunners won 99, with 47 games ending in draws. Here is a summary of Man City vs Arsenal stats as of May 2024.

Competition

Matches

Arsenal wins

Man City wins

Draws

Premier League

192

88

59

45

FA Cup

6

4

2

0

EFL Cup

10

5

4

1

Community Shield

3

2

0

1

Total

211

99

65

47

Man City vs Arsenal trophies

According to SportAdda, under Arsene Wenger, the Gunners won three Premier League championships and have a total of thirteen league titles. The club enjoyed a successful run under their famous invincible team, which dominated opponents. Here is a list of Arsenal's and Man City's trophies.

Manchester City trophies

  • 9 Premier League titles
  • 7 EFL championship titles
  • 7 FA Cup titles
  • 8 Carabao Cup titles
  • 6 Community Shield titles
  • 1 UEFA Champions League title – 2022/23
  • 1 UEFA Super Cup title – 2023
  • 1 FIFA Club World Cup title - 2023

Arsenal trophies

  • 13 Premier League titles
  • 14 FA Cup titles
  • 2 EFL Cup titles – 1986/87, 1992/93
  • 17 FA Community Shield titles
  • 1 Football League Centenary Trophy title - 1988

Man City vs Arsenal legends

With a rich history dating back to 1880 and 1986, the two clubs have seen many legendary players shine in their jerseys. Here is a detailed breakdown of some of these great club legends.

The Sky Blues legends

The Citizens are among the best English clubs in the world, and to reach where they are, they have seen some of the greatest legends in football history. Here are Manchester City's top 5 legends.

5. David Silva

David Silva during a match
Manchester City's legend David Silva runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League match on 7 August 2020. Photo: Oli Scarff
Source: Getty Images
  • Position: Attacking midfielder
  • Appearances: 436
  • Goals: 77
  • Years at Etihad: 2010-2020

During his ten years at the club, David Silva won the hearts of City fans. The Spaniard travelled from Valencia to Etihad Stadium after winning the 2010 World Cup.

4. Sergio Aguero

  • Position: Centre-forward
  • Appearances: 390
  • Goals: 260
  • Years at Etihad: 2011-2021

Throughout a memorable ten years with the Citizens, Aguero solidified his ranking among the club's top ten legends. As one of the finest players in Premier League history, he is considered one of the all-time great attackers.

3. Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany during his days at Man City
Vincent Kompany, Manchester City's legend stretches for the ball in the air during the Premier League match on 24 April 2019. Photo: Shaun Botterill.
Source: Getty Images
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Appearances: 338
  • Goals: 20
  • Years at Etihad: 2008-2019

Few could have predicted what Kompany would do when Mark Hughes signed him. The Belgian has his monument outside the Etihad Stadium, alongside David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

2. Yaya Toure

  • Position: Central midfielder
  • Appearances: 316
  • Goals: 82
  • Years at Etihad: 2010-2018

Yaya Toure was acquired by the Citizens by Mancini shortly after he was deemed unnecessary by Barcelona under Pep Guardiola in July 2010. After participating in the World Cup that summer, Toure assisted the Catalan team in winning the 2009 Champions League.

1. Kevin De Bruyne

  • Position: Attacking midfielder
  • Appearances: 378
  • Goals: 102
  • Years at Etihad: 2015-present

It took Chelsea two years to trade Kevin De Bruyne to VfL Wolfsburg after he failed to make an impression in west London. After spending 18 months with Die Wolfe, he joined the Citizens and has since been vital to their recent success.

Arsenal legends

Arsenal legends
Arsenal legends celebrate with Premiership trophy after becoming the 2003-2004 Premier League champions on 15 May 2004. Photo: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Allstar
Source: Getty Images

As one of England's most successful football teams, the Gunners have produced a lengthy list of legends who have graced Highbury and Emirates Stadium. According to Arsenal Insider, here are their top five legends.

5. Thierry Henry

  • Positions: Centre-forward, winger
  • Appearances: 377
  • Goals: 228
  • Years at Emirates: 1999-2007, 2012

After Henry's career in Turin ended, the Gunners acquired him in August 1999. Just a year prior, he had won the World Cup on home soil with France. But he saw himself as a "nobody" when he got to Highbury under Arsene Wenger.

4. Dennis Bergkamp

  • Position: Centre-forward
  • Appearances: 423
  • Goals: 120
  • Years at Emirates: 1995-2006

In June 1995, Bruce Rioch shattered the club record when he signed Dennis Bergkamp from Inter Milan. The forward's first few years in north London would not be ideal as doubts about his attitude surfaced. However, he made history with the club.

3. Tony Adams

  • Position: Centre-half
  • Appearances: 669
  • Goals: 48
  • Years at Emirates: 1983-2002

For over twenty years, Tony Adams occupied the middle position in Arsenal's defence. He made 669 appearances throughout 14 of his 19 years at Highbury while wearing the captain's armband.

2. Ian Wright

Ian Wright, former Arsenal player
Ian Wright the Ex Arsenal player before the FA Women's Super League match on 16 September 2022. Photo: David Price
Source: Getty Images
  • Position: Centre-forward
  • Appearances: 288
  • Goals: 185
  • Years at Arsenal: 1991-1998

Ian Wright was one of the greatest players the Gunners ever signed. Before joining them, he had contributed to Crystal Palace's ascent to the top of the division and their establishment there.

1. Patrick Vieira

  • Position: Defensive midfielder
  • Appearances: 406
  • Goals: 33
  • Years at Emirates: 1996-2005

Patrick Vieira joined the Gunners from AC Milan in 1996 and became one of the greatest defensive midfielder in soccer. He was a leader and winner at Arsenal.

Man City vs Arsenal stadium

The Citizens and the Gunners have iconic stadiums that serve as the homes for their respective home matches and clubs. Here is a detailed breakdown of the two stadiums.

Etihad Stadium

An aerial view of Etihad Stadium
An aerial view of Etihad Stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa on 12 February 2023. Photo: Ryan Pierse
Source: Getty Images
  • Capacity: 53,400
  • Team: Manchester City
  • Construction cost: Approximately $140.5 million

The Sky Blues play their home games at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. According to Stadium Guide, Etihard was built in 2002 and is one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League.

Emirates Stadium

Aerial view of Emirates Stadium
A general overall aerial view of Emirates Stadium on 29 October 2022 in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Kirby Lee
Source: Getty Images
  • Capacity: 60,704
  • Team: Arsenal Football Club
  • Construction cost: Approximately $489.3 million

The Emirates Stadium is in Holloway, London. It is one of the biggest football stadiums in the UK, holding more than 60,000 spectators. London Tickets revealed the stadium opened in July 2006, replacing Highbury, Gunner's former home.

Frequently asked questions

Examining the historical rivalry and present status of the Sky Blues and the Gunners in English football by comparing their head-to-head records is fascinating. These are some frequently asked questions about the two English clubs.

What is the head-to-head record between Arsenal and Man City?

City and Gunners have played each other 211 times. There have been 47 draws, 99 wins for the Gunners, and 65 victories for City.

When did Arsenal last defeat Man City at Etihad Stadium?

The last time the Gunners defeated the Sky Blues was in January 2015, when they won 2-0. Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud scored the goals.

Which is the largest victory between Manchester City and Arsenal?

The largest victory between the two clubs came on 28 August 2021, when the Sky Blues won 5-0. With this win, they demonstrated their domination throughout the Premier League.

Final word

Analysing Man City vs Arsenal head-to-head stats and achievements proves that the Gunners are ahead statistically. It is a fixture enjoyed by Fans and football enthusiasts.

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Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.