Ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel predicts winner of Manchester City vs Arsenal
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel predicted the winner of Sunday's (September 22) top-of-the-table clash between Manchester City and Arsenal. Pep Guardiola's side currently boast a 100% winning record in the league and are second only to Liverpool (on goal difference). The Gunners, meanwhile, are fifth with three wins and one draw.
Brighton & Hove Albion held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at home right before the international break (August 31). Mike Arteta's side resumed their league campaign with a 1-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur (September 15). Gabriel Magalhaes' goal (64') was enough to secure the win for the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's side has yet to drop points in the league season so far. City resumed their league campaign after the international break with a 2-1 win over Brentford (September 14). Despite going behind in the first minute, Erling Haaland's brace (19' and 32') was the saving grace for the defending champions.
While predicting the results of week five of the Premier League, John Obi Mikel had no hesitation in choosing Manchester City over Arsenal. The former Chelsea midfielder said (via obionepodcast on Instagram):
"And of course the big one on Sunday - City versus Arsenal - I'm going for a City win at home."
Despite their exploits in the Premier League, both sides were held to goalless draws in their respective UEFA Champions League openers. Manchester City drew against Inter Milan at home, while Mikel Arteta's side were held to an away draw by Atalanta.
Manchester City's rivalry with Arsenal over the years in numbers
The Gunners have had a longstanding rivalry with the Cityzens over the years. The two teams have met a total of 211 times across competitions, with Arsenal having the statistical upper hand with 99 wins. City, meanwhile, have won 65 matches while 47 have resulted in a draw.
Last season, the Gunners were undefeated by Manchester City in two league meetings. While the clash at Etihad resulted in a goalless draw, Mikel Arteta's side won the reverse fixture 1-0.
However, the defending champions have been lately unbeatable at home. At present, they are on a 13-game winning streak at the Etihad in the Premier League. The last time they dropped points was when they drew against the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's side boast an outstanding away league record, having won 10 out of 11 away league games in 2024. They have also kept clean sheets in nine of these clashes.