Manchester City and Arsenal’s rivalry has now gone up a notch | OneFootball

At the final whistle of yesterday’s pulsating 2-all draw between Manchester City and Arsenal, one thing had become apparent. Manchester City and Arsenal’s rivalry has now gone up a notch. That was obvious to see across the full 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.

The tone for yesterday’s game was set within the first four seconds of the contest. Kai Havertz clattered into Rodri which left City’s midfield general in a heap. That coming together set the tone for what would follow throughout the game. Both teams wouldn’t take a backward step and it is clear that their rivalry has gone up a gear. The game ended with Erling Haaland and his teammates in a heated dispute with their Arsenal counterparts. Going forward, it seems that their rivalry has now entered new territory.

Given the fact that Manchester City and Arsenal have battled it out for the last two Premier League titles the rivalry between the two clubs was already there. It has driven both sides over the past two seasons. What Manchester City have, Arsenal want and Mikel Arteta’s side look to have a harder edge to them now. That was clearly evident from kick off yesterday.

But yesterday’s game was more spiteful than previous clashes between the two teams. While there was always the obligatory confrontation in those games they were nothing on what occurred yesterday. Yesterday’s game was one between two teams who wouldn’t take a backward step. It was great theatre but it is clear that the rivalry between the two clubs has now gone up a notch. Arsenal embody Mikel Arteta’s fighting spirit, and Manchester City have the fight that Pep Guardiola provides littered through their squad. That dynamic adds to the drama when the two teams meet.

All eyes will now be on when the two teams next clash. If that game follows the tone set from yesterday’s enthralling encounter at the Etihad another pulsating encounter awaits. There is a harder edge to Manchester City and Arsenal’s rivalry now. Come the final whistle yesterday that was an obvious conclusion to draw.