Sutton's predictions v rappers Kidwild and Blanco, plus AI
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton takes on rappers Kidwild and Blanco with his predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.
'I flew 5,500 miles and paid £900 for a Premier League ticket but was turned away'
The BBC examines Brighton's ticket operation to explore the scale and human impact of touted Premier League tickets.
Man Utd get crucial win over Chelsea after early Sanchez red card. Video, 00:09:36
Manchester United hung on for a crucial win against Chelsea in the Premier League, in a frantic match that saw two red cards and three goals, all in torrential rain at Old Trafford.
Burnley left-back Quilindschy Hartman has been speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire about his time with the Clarets since his move from Feyenoord in the summer, having featured in all five Premier League games so far this season.
Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist
Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw at Real Betis may ultimately prove a positive result, given the Spaniards are among the favourites for this season's Europa League, but it means new boss Ange Postecoglou has failed to win any of his first four games in charge.
Frustratingly for the Australian, Forest have gone ahead in the past three of those matches but have been unable to hang on to their advantage.
That lack of resilience was a recurring problem during Postecoglou's reign at Tottenham. His Spurs side dropped 29 Premier League points from winning positions last term - more than any other side.
That tally rises to 49 points across his two seasons in north London. The only club with a worse record during that period were Brentford – then managed by Postecoglou's successor at Spurs, Thomas Frank.
To be fair to Postecoglou, Forest's weakness at protecting leads predates his arrival, with 44 points dropped in the past two campaigns despite a more counter-attacking style under Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo.
Image source, Getty ImagesFederico Chiesa says manager Arne Slot can likely see he is "better physically and mentally" compared to last season, creating an enhanced trust in what he can deliver.
Chiesa was instrumental as Liverpool saw off Southampton in Carabao Cup competition on Wednesday, delivering two assists in the 2-1 win.
It means he has scored one league goal in a total of 51 minutes on the pitch this season, while contributing with his brace of assists in his only cup outing of the campaign.
Asked about a contrast to last season, where Chiesa played only 108 league minutes throughout the campaign, the Italian said: "I do feel better, in terms of physical ability. I think I have played more this season than last season combined I think. So I am happy and have to continue on this path.
"It was really difficult but I think I wasn't at the level that the coach wanted me to play. I understood his choices last year. This year is different, I feel better physically and mentally. The coach I think sees that and has given me more opportunities.
"I am glad I have made contributions in the Premier League. That is what the coach wants and what the other players want. To play for Liverpool you have to make the difference. I have to keep on working hard to get more chances in the future."
Chiesa struck a key goal from the bench on the opening night of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign to nudge Liverpool past Bournemouth.
It sparked wild scenes on The Kop, where the Italian is frequently serenaded with one of the catchiest songs in recent memory at Anfield.
Asked about the song and support, he replied: "Since last year I wanted to give something back. I want to keep on giving them something back. The support they gave to me every match is fantastic. I like the chant. I have to give them back more because the support is just amazing.
"Of course I can play more in the Carabao Cup but I want to show the manager I can also play in the Premier League. In the first games he gave me chances and I think I showed I can help the team.
"I play for a top club. Maybe top three in the world. It's Liverpool, of course they are going to buy top players and the competition is high. If I didn't want competition I would go and play in another team but here there is competition and I want to play here. I think competition at the end of the day helps you be a better player."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Hugo Ekitike's red card against Southampton and Arne Slot's comments on the incident.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Philip: I agree with Slot, but we're all human and we saw Slot lose his emotions last season on a memorable occasion. Just a bizarre celebration, caught up in the emotion I guess and forgot about the first card which was equally stupid. Pressure of Isak perhaps?
Michael: That is one of the stupidest acts I've seen from a player. He was on a booking for being petulant and knowing he was on a booking carried out an unnecessary and stupid act and picked up a second yellow. The club should fine him for that.
Anthony: It was in the moment. We all do stuff that we regret moments after doing it - his happened to be in front of thousands and millions on the TV. I hope he has learnt a valuable lesson in an environment where it hopefully has no lasting impact.
Liam: Ekitike has let himself down massively but I don't feel the pressure of signing Isak has played any part in it at all. I agree with the comments from Slot and Robbo and I do feel he'll learn from this. A poor judgement from Hugo which took the sparkle off another reliable performance in attack for Liverpool.
Paul: I totally agree with Arne. Ekitike showed an incredible immaturity and lack of control. He is a fine player who works hard for the team but this action lets the team down. He should be fined by the club and reminded that what he does on the field is often copied by the young kids who watch him!
Carl: Ekitike has shown with a few of his celebrations that he wants to make sure people know his name because Isak is there and being talked about. Quite immature and possibly a bad character trait. Worrying.
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Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Filip Jorgensen "just didn't convince" in Chelsea's 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Lincoln and Robert Sanchez "will stay the number one".
Jorgensen had an opportunity to deputise for the suspended Sanchez on Tuesday evening but repeatedly struggled with aerial deliveries.
"He flapped at a lot of things," Sutton told Radio 5 Live.
"A large part of football is having to take your opportunities when they come along.
"It was a big game for him, especially when you know what Lincoln are going to do - they're going to be about long throws and set-plays into the box. He just didn't convince. It wasn't once - it was three, four, five times where he looked indecisive and that was the biggest things.
"You want a goalkeeper who is steady and makes good decisions, they don't have to be remarkable and Superman. The way he was coming for crosses and not getting there - he was lucky where he mis-punched a ball in the first half. It was the same in the second half.
"In that respect it's a nightmare for Enzo Maresca. The goalkeeping situation was an issue last season - Chelsea fans were not convinced by Sanchez. Maresca has stuck with him but there is a chance for the number two when he has made mistakes.
"Sanchez will stay the number one."
Former Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff added: "The goalkeeper was all over the place. Whenever the ball went into the box he was nowhere near it, missing punches. He was very unconvincing."
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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesTottenham might just stay in the conversation this time.
They dropped points at Brighton but were dominant on the day. They have their mojo back under Thomas Frank and, of the players he inherited, Lucas Bergvall has arguably made the biggest leap forward.
Some players just need to know the manager believes in them to suddenly become an even better player and a more forceful presence. Spurs have won three and drawn one when Bergvall has started - losing the two when he did not.
Problems still exist. That dangerous high defensive line deployed by Ange Postecoglou is also part of the new regime's method, so work needs to be done there.
Richarlison scored, worked hard and showed some quality moments, but Spurs lost a goal when he went down following a fairly innocuous challenge.
When you are not given the foul and it is not a head knock, you must try to get up and help the team by hobbling back into position, if you possibly can. He did not and they lost a goal.
I have watched a few others doing the same thing this season and it is very dangerous for the team if you do not get back up quickly.
Spurs could not complain, as they won possession back and still did not put it out of play, which they would have if they really thought their mate needed treatment.
I suspect Thomas Frank will have a quiet word in private with his striker!
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Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff was unimpressed with Hugo Ekitike after the Liverpool forward was shown a second yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebrating the winning goal against Southampton:
"Absolutely ridiculous - everybody knows the rules by now," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm all for emotion and passion and getting caught up in the moment but that wasn't really it.
"It's a pretty routine goal - the ball gets laid across the box to him and it's a really simple finish. "I just don't know what has gone through his head to take his shirt off and then hold it up to the crowd.
"It's a really poor decision from him."
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton was even less cagey with his criticism, branding the action "sheer stupidity".
"Everybody knows if you take your shirt off you get a yellow card so to get a second yellow card for doing that is just sheer stupidity," he said.
"He's been such an important player - what a start to his Liverpool career with important goals - but it's not great for Arne Slot and the team that he's now sitting out at the weekend."
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United have started work to expand their safe standing capacity at Old Trafford by 6,000.
The rail seats will be installed in Tier 2 of the Stretford End and will make the stadium one of the Premier League's leading venues for safe standing.
It means around one sixth of Old Trafford will be covered by safe standing space when the work is complete.
The club said a first phase of the new seats will be in place for the upcoming fixture against Sunderland but the safe standing section will need to be formally approved by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority prior to the new section being certified as safe standing in full.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.
"This latest development reflects the club's ongoing investment in enhancing the matchday experience, with safe standing widely recognised for boosting atmosphere while also improving safety," the club said.
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAmadou Onana
Aston Villa should have got more value for money from their transfer dealings under Monchi, according to Supporters' Trust chairman Mo Razzaq.
Villa are expected to replace president of football operations Monchi with Roberto Olabe, with a deal for former Real Sociedad sporting director Olabe close.
It comes with Villa 18th in the Premier League having failed to win their opening five league matches. They were also knocked out of the EFL Cup by Brentford on penalties last week.
Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland saw just two players - Morgan Rogers and Evann Guessand - start who were signed by Unai Emery and Monchi.
Villa broke their transfer record to sign Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m last year but injury has meant he made just 22 starts in the league last season and the midfielder is currently out with a hamstring problem.
Left-back Ian Maatsen joined from Chelsea for £37.5m but has struggled to hold down a regular role while Donyell Malen has made just five starts since moving from Borussia Dortmund for an initial £21m in January.
"Considering the outlay and in terms of signing on fees and wages we pay, we'd probably expect a better return," said Razzaq.
"So if we look at our successes: Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Pau Torres.
"But last season, we signed Onana from Everton, when he plays his form is good but he spends a lot of time out injured.
"Then last January we spent a lot on (Axel) Disasi, (Marcus) Rashford and (Marco) Asensio in terms of their wages. So if that gamble pays off, then you're into the Champions League.
"Because we didn't you look at the issues around player wages and the ratio to revenue and things then look a bit tougher.
"If we want to be competing at the top, then we need to have a better success rate. We've taken a few gambles and they've not paid off."
What do you think about Monchi's exit? Tell us
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says Pep Guardiola is seemingly intent on pursuing an alternative style to that which the Premier League has become accustomed.
City were pegged back late on in Sunday's trip to Arsenal. So far this season, his side have had 52% of the ball in league games - having enjoyed possession of 60% or over in each of the last eight campaigns.
"It says a lot about how Guardiola wants to build-up and sees games going," said Hart on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "Ederson was only a vital player when they absolutely dominated and had 70% of the ball - no matter what.
"They used to see 1-0 as a score line that they could kick on from.
"Nowadays, the Premier League has caught up with them, in terms of the strength of Arsenal and Liverpool. Even the games against Newcastle and Chelsea are going to be tight.
"Guardiola realises that there will be moments now where they have to close the front and back door. Erling Haaland even dropped to play deep after 65 minutes and was defending with his team.
"I think Guardiola is looking at different ways of doing it and bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma was a statement to say they are not playing with 11 outfield players anymore."
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesFive league games. 54 shots. Three goals.
You do not have to look too far to see where Newcastle United need to improve.
As solid as Newcastle have been at the back – only champions Liverpool have scored against them in the top-flight this season - the Magpies have yet to click in the final third.
Eddie Howe was the first to recognise his side were missing an "X factor" - but there is context.
First, the Alexander Isak saga rumbled on until deadline day, leaving Newcastle light on options in the opening three league games of the season, after the Swede went on strike in a bid to force through his British record move to Liverpool.
Secondly, the club recruited a proven Premier League goalscorer in Yoane Wissa in the final throes of the window, but the former Brentford forward will be sidelined until after the international break next month with a knee injury.
And finally, record arrival Nick Woltemade will require time to adapt to the physicality of the English top flight having never played outside his native Germany before.
Newcastle are clearly going to need others to chip in to help ease the burden - just as they did in the previous campaign.
Harvey Barnes (nine), Anthony Gordon (nine), Jacob Murphy (nine), Sandro Tonali (six), Fabian Schar (six), Bruno Guimaraes (five) and Joelinton (four) all popped up with valuable goals in all competitions last season.
And the Carabao Cup holders will need a spread of goals if they are to go deep into the competition again as they begin the defence of their trophy against Bradford City on Wednesday.
"I'm excited by the team we can be," Howe said.
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesThe timing is unfortunate for Noni Madueke.
His Arsenal career has got off to a very promising start, while his England performances are going from strength to strength.
So with that in mind, the knee issue that will keep him sidelined for up to eight weeks comes at the worst possible time for Madueke from a personal perspective.
His signing from Chelsea was met with derision from sections of the Arsenal fanbase, but the attacker has quickly won those doubters over.
Of course, it is a blow for Mikel Arteta, too. Madueke has been a regular in his team so far this season.
That said, Bukayo Saka's return from a hamstring injury lessens the damage caused by Madueke's injury.
And with a myriad of attacking options - including Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard - at Arteta's disposal, the Gunners can cope without Madueke.
Not that that makes it any easier to swallow for Madueke.
Dazzling Dave
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves' struggles this season boil down to one thing: change. Too much of it, too fast.
First, the summer churn. Seven key departures and six arrivals is a high turnover in any industry, let alone football. The nucleus was ripped out. You can't fast-track chemistry. New players need time to understand roles, standards, and each other. Right now, it looks like a rebuild without rhythm.
Second, the starting XI keeps changing. We haven't had a settled team to build patterns, trust, and cohesion. Even VÃtor Pereira admitted in his post-match press conference that he doesn't know his best XI. If the manager is still searching, the players will be too. That uncertainty shows in the mistakes and the game management.
Where are the leaders? Right now, the silence is deafening.
We lost strong voices and characters on the pitch and didn't replace them. Toti is the new captain, but the extra responsibility seems to have unsettled his usual play.
Then there is the change we need. Agbadou has made critical errors that have cost goals and points. The defence looks fragile, shipping three at home to Leeds, a side that hadn't scored from open play this season. We spent £30m on a central defender in Ladislav Krejci and have played him in midfield. He is a seasoned leader and could help shore up the back line. That adjustment feels overdue.
Finally, the fans want change. The unrest is growing, clear in the chants aimed at Fosun: "You've sold the team, now sell the club." Supporters can accept a rebuild, but they want a plan, clarity, and visible progress, instead Wolves seem to regress year on year as we consistently sell our best players.
Wolves don't need new ideas. Vitor needs to know his best team. Settle the XI, restore leadership, fix the back line, and stick to it. Stability is the first step to points.
Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external
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Image source, Getty ImagesChief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.
Chris asked: It does not matter if West Ham appointed Jurgen Klopp as the manager, the owners would keep on selling the family silver, getting free transfers and injury-prone and sub-standard players. They have sold us down the river with the stadium move. What's your take on this?
Phil answered: It would matter a lot if Klopp was appointed as West Ham United manager, but I take your overall point.
I can see exactly why fans are disappointed with the stadium because, in truth, it is an athletics stadium and does not work as a football arena. It is as far away from Upton Park for atmosphere as you can get. I have been to Everton's new home by the Mersey waterfront twice and that is a magnificent, purpose-built football stadium. I have noticed many Hammers supporters pointing out the difference.
West Ham have also been hit by so many poor football decisions, such as managerial choices and signings.
As someone who went to Upton Park so many times and absolutely loved it, I feel your pain.
Graham Potter is clearly in real peril, but you do feel it will take more than just a change of manager (again) to transform West Ham's fortunes.
Meanwhile, West Ham's troubles were a topic of discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart saying it has been "hard for the club to find a direction"...
Alex Turk
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWhether you are growing your hair until Manchester United win five matches in a row or not, there is new reason for optimism.
United's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea has birthed an opportunity to build momentum and ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese head coach has won back-to-back Premier League home games for the first time since he took charge.
A trip to 17th-place Brentford on Saturday presents a chance for his maiden consecutive league wins, as shocking as that fact is.
Sunderland's visit to Old Trafford follows. Not as straightforward as one may have expected before the season, but certainly favourable.
Amorim must prove he can string some wins together as United boss, rather than a welcome victory becoming soured by a morale-busting defeat one week later.
The Red Devils' productivity and intensity with a one-man advantage for much of the first half against Chelsea was hugely encouraging.
The defensive resilience and threat on the counter-attack after Casemiro's dismissal was just as impressive. This is not a squad that hasn't bought into its head coach's philosophy.
United are three points off second place before the meetings with Brentford and Sunderland, but sit in 11th after five games.
Amorim will ultimately be judged on whether he can guide the club back to European football this season.
He should pay with his job if he cannot, and he will not meet that target if his side do not start winning games more consistently.
A rollercoaster of results is better than the drastic dive of last season, but success will never be linear.
Amorim needs to leave the theme park and, instead, ensure the theme of United's season is more performances like against Chelsea.
Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMonchi and Unai Emery have tried to reshape Aston Villa, spending big on defensive midfielder Amadou Onana, signed for £50m in 2024, and attacker Moussa Diaby, who arrived in 2023 for £43m.
But Diaby was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad after just one season, while Onana has struggled with injury.
The imposing Belgium international made just 22 league starts last season after his club record move from Everton, and he is currently out with a hamstring injury having played just twice this term.
In the past 18 months Villa's spending has been restricted because of Profit and Sustainability restrictions imposed by both the Premier League and Uefa.
In July, Villa were fined £9.5m by European football's governing body for breaching financial rules.
They needed to sell Douglas Luiz in 2024 to balance the books, with the midfielder joining Juventus for £42m. He made just three Serie A starts last season and joined Nottingham Forest on loan last month.
The sales of Omari Kellyman to Chelsea for £19m and Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for £9m last year also generated important profit, while Jacob Ramsey was sold to Newcastle for £40m last month, with all three having come through the club's academy.
Just two of the starting XI in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland - Morgan Rogers and striker Evann Guessand - were signed by Emery and Monchi.
This summer, Villa signed goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest and Guessand from Nice for £30m, before the deadline day arrivals of Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho and Victor Lindelof.
England Under-21 international Elliott joined on loan from Liverpool with a £35m obligation to buy, while Sancho moved on loan from Manchester United and his former Old Trafford team-mate Lindelof joined on a free transfer.
Rogers, signed from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m in 2024, and free transfer Youri Tielemans have been successes, with Rogers becoming an England international.
Meanwhile, before the news that Monchi is set to leave the club, Villa's financial management was a topic of discussion between former Premier League striker Chris Sutton and The Observer's Rory Smith on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, with Smith arguing that they "have spent really badly"...
West Ham fan Gary Killington from Hammers United says "ambition is missing" at the club and the problems this season are part of a "gradual decline".
The Hammers sit in the relegation zone with three points from 15 games, leaving Graham Potter's job is under threat, while fans have voiced their frustration at owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady in recent protests.
"This is about the gradual decline of the club which has happened since winning the Conference League," Killington told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "Immediately after that they put Declan Rice up for sale and we have had a broken midfield since.
"The protests are about 15 years of mismanagement. Up until 2010, we'd had 11 managers in our entire history of 110 years. We could now be looking at our ninth manager in 15 years - if you count the two times we had David Moyes.
"It is unacceptable and shows there is no forward planning. They are making it up as they go along and at the moment we are stuck.
"Even if you look back at the sacking of Julen Lopetegui last season, they hesitated over doing it for six weeks, even though we all knew we were going nowhere as a club.
"Potter was offered a six-month contract - which he declined - before being offered a two-year deal.
"It is always about a short-term fix. But it is also about a whole raft of things when you add in players and the stadium.
"They have taken West Ham and destroyed it.
"Potter's football is turgid. Your home should be a fortress but it is not. There's no atmosphere because the stands are too far away from the pitch.
"There never used to be a quiet home game against the likes of Tottenham or Chelsea - but now it is awful.
"Success for the board is staying up. The ambition is missing."
Watch the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope says Dominic Cavert-Lewin will "get goals and cause problems" for Daniel Farke's side this season after his "sensational" display in the 3-1 win over Wolves.
The 28-year-old scored his first Whites goal at Molinuex and impressed with his hold-up and link play throughout.
"My man of the match was Calvert-Lewin," Pope told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
"His attitude and confidence said 'even if I don't score, I'll be fine'. His performance was fantastic from everywhere and having players like that in your team who know the Premier League makes such a difference.
"It's not just the fact he scored, it was his overall play. His hang-time, winning headers, winning free-kicks.
"He wins the free-kick that [Anotn] Stach scores from and does it again in the second-half when they haven't had any play in the final third - he wins a dangerous free-kick because he's clever and he's got the legs.
"He brought people into play, he just played with a real joy about him, and was just the perfect number nine. He did lots of minutes too - it was a long time before [Lucas] Nmecha came on.
"Keep him fit and he is going to get goals and cause problems. He was sensational."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
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Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham boss Graham Potter is under increasing pressure but the Hammers need to build a "good foundation" rather than jumping between managers, says former Premier League striker Wayne Rooney.
Following Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Crystal Palace, multiple sources told BBC Sport that Potter is under significant internal scrutiny, with the club now considering managerial alternatives.
The 50-year-old took charge in January - replacing Julen Loptegui - but has won just six of his 25 games at the helm, losing 14 and drawing five.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, is understood to be among the options to replace Potter, while former boss Slaven Bilic and ex-Wolves manager Gary O'Neil arealso in the mix.
If West Ham opt for a change in the dugout, it would be their third appointment since David Moyes left in May 2024.
"It takes time to then get players out, get players in - and then before you know it, that manager doesn't get the results and then they're gone and you're back to square one," said Rooney.
"The club having a good foundation would help."
West Ham have lost four of their five fixtures in the league this term - beating only Nottingham Forest - and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves.
Only rock-bottom Wolves have conceded more than the Hammers' tally of 12 goals and they are the joint-fifth lowest scorers with five.
West Ham, who are 19th in the Premier League, return to action on Monday, 29 September at Everton, where they will reunite with Moyes.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the ex-England captain added: "Brentford and Brighton have a clear way of playing. Regardless of which manager they bring in, they stick to that and that's why you've seen progression from those clubs.
"When you're changing from philosophy to philosophy, which Manchester United have been doing with Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim, it is a completely different way."
Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter Manchester City went 1-0 up against Arsenal, they took a defensive approach unlike one Pep Guardiola has opted for previously.
They sat deep and blocked the centre of the pitch, making it difficult for Arsenal to find striker Viktor Gyokeres or attacking midfielders between the lines. Guardiola has typically asked his team to defend in a 4-4-2 and did to begin with, but City moved into a 5-4-1 or 5-5-0 as the game progressed.
So why did he opt for this approach?
This was the third game in seven days for an unchanged City side who were fatigued, according to Guardiola. Most teams would struggle to stifle Arsenal's excellent build-up play, but with City tiring, defending deep prevented them from being exposed trying to press Arsenal.
It was not just about stopping the build-up, but preventing Arsenal from creating chances.
Arteta's men eventually got their equaliser but it was telling the goal came from a direct ball over a City defence that had stepped up, rather than when the visitors sat deep.
Arsenal dominated the ball, but the 68% possession they had amounted to 0.61 expected goals in the second half.
City aimed to nullify Arsenal's dangerous central quality by putting numerous bodies in the middle of the pitch. They also aimed to shut down runners by reducing the space they had in behind by being close to their own goal.
It is unlikely City will play that deep consistently going forward, but it was interesting to see such an attacking manager like Guardiola deploy a shape without a recognised striker, given his previous quotes about the formation.
"In prehistoric times, now and in 100,000 years, it is always very difficult to attack a 5-5 formation," were his words when facing a similar tactical gameplan deployed by Atletico Madrid in 2022.
Ultimately it was a combination of acknowledging City's fatigue and strong counter-attackers, while wanting to minimise Arsenal's quality - particularly the home side's directness, build-up and central attackers - that help explain the unique approach.
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter
Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time equaliser showed why it is too early to write his Arsenal career off.
The winger has had an excellent week, scoring and assisting in Arsenal's win over Athletic Club in the Champions League, before earning the Gunners a valuable draw against Manchester City.
Martinelli has lost his starting place - starting two of Arsenal's six game this season - after a difficult time in his career, but has shown just how important he can be when he is at his best.
Ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcott told BBC Sport: "You can either sit there and sulk about things or you can actually have a look at yourself and think: 'How am I going to affect the situation I am in?'
"I don't think he has ever been in this situation before, actually being constantly challenged in that position. He has had moments before when he has been on the bench, but last year he was a starter.
"This year, he is having to accept he is going to be in and out, but he is definitely going about it in the right way because he is a hard worker and a grafter."
The 24-year-old is one of the quickest players in the Premier League and both his goals this week played to his strengths, with the ball played behind the opposition defence for him to run on to.
"I work for those moments. I leave [selection] for the gaffer. I just do my best to help this football club," said Martinelli.
"Of course I don't want to be on the bench. I want to play 90 minutes every single game, but [Mikel] Arteta knows what he does. He's the gaffer and everyone trusts him."
Martinelli has been low on confidence and aware of the debate about his place in the team.
And Walcott added: "As a player, you also have to deal with the mixed messages that can be created in this kind of narrative, when you are not starting every game.
"Martinelli scored after coming on [against Athletic Club] in midweek and he must have been thinking: 'Right, I am going to start on Sunday.' And then he sees [Leandro] Trossard start ahead of him.
"Again, how do you react to that? Do you sulk about it, or do you get on with it? He obviously gets on with things."
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
For 92 minutes of the contest at the Emirates, it was all going to plan for Manchester City - Arsenal were failing to fire and the visitors were on their way to a vital victory.
Despite the arduous scheduling of recent games, Pep Guardiola decided to name the same starting XI for a third consecutive game - only the third time he has done this during his nine years at the club.
Having taken a ninth-minute lead through the imperious Erling Haaland and seeing out the opening 45 minutes pretty comfortably, Guardiola decided to shut up shop in the second half, possibly with tiredness in mind.
City had comfortably dispatched rivals Manchester United last Sunday, but were made to work hard for victory against 10-man Napoli in their Champions League opener on Thursday. Despite their efforts at Arsenal, they fell agonisingly short of three straight wins in a week.
Guardiola switched to a 5-5-0 formation in the 76th minute following the eyebrow-raising decision to haul off Haaland and send on defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez - a tactical manoeuvre which could have come right out of the Jose Mourinho playbook.
The attempt to do whatever was needed to try to get the win was highlighted by the fact City ended with only 32.8% possession, the lowest figure recorded by any Guardiola side in his 601st league game as manager.
"We don't try to be like this but when the opponent is better we defend deeper and counter-attack - but that's not our intention," he said.
"I would prefer not to do it, but you have to at this level. I take a point and in some games we have to adjust."
But Guardiola admitted two tough games, with just two days rest in between, had taken a toll on his players.
"We were incredibly tired," he added. "The game against Napoli was so emotional and after that recovery day we have four or five hours to travel to London. Arsenal fought in the last two Premier League title races and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League so it's so difficult.
"We had a lot of fatigue with many players. We also have a lot of injuries."
The head coach told BBC Radio 5 Live he was "disappointed" by the result, but was "proud" of his players for improving on last season's performance when they were thumped 5-1 by Mikel Arteta's men in the corresponding fixture.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison says the reason the club are doing so well is because of the standards manager Oliver Glasner sets.
"He is top drawer," said Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "The issue will be keeping hold of him.
"He has only got this season left because there will be a lot of top clubs looking at him.
"I even heard Manchester United might be because they play the same formation as Palace. I would say Palace actually have the players to play that formation better than United can at the moment.
"I was at the Palace training ground a few weeks ago and the training intensity that Glasner sets is so high. It is train how you play. That is why Palace are doing so great.
"They have a great chance this year in the Conference League. The back three are fantastic and they managed to keep hold of Marc Guehi.
"He might go in January but it is about enjoying it while you can. It is the same with Adam Wharton because he is a fantastic player. He had been out for two weeks but strolled thorough the game against West Ham on Saturday.
"It is good times for my old club."
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt was an upbeat Ange Postecoglou after Nottingham Forest's draw at Burnley.
Yes, they may not have won and the new manager is still waiting for his first victory - albeit he is only three games into his reign - but there are clear signs of what he wants.
Victory over Real Betis in the Europa League on Wednesday - on Forest's return to Europe for the first time since 1995-96 - would underline the progress he is talking about.
Chances created, especially for Dilane Bakwa in the first half, highlighted the kind of quick, incisive football Postecoglou wants to play.
Those who have worked closely with the former Tottenham boss told BBC Sport he would not wait to impress his style and philosophies, and Postecoglou said Forest looked like one of his teams at times in the second half.
It would be wrong to disagree as it was clear how different expansive Forest already are to the side Nuno Espirito Santo took to seventh in the Premier League last season.
This comes less than two weeks after Postecoglou was appointed Nuno's successor so, despite the winless start, Forest should be in for an exciting ride.
