Gabriel Jesus
Picking up where he left off!
Gabriel Jesus follows up his hat-trick against Crystal Palace in midweek with a goal in this one, sweeping in at the back post from a cross.
That's a first Premier League goal since January for the striker, who is brimming with confidence right now.
Image source, Getty ImagesCrystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Crystal Palace are putting plenty of players around Myles Lewis-Skelly when he gets the ball. The Eagles end up giving a free-kick away as Lewis-Skelly's run across the middle is halted.
FT: Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Difficult day for us, the opponent was strong and they of course scored the goal in the first seconds which makes it difficult. We had moments during the first half where we had the ball and managed to play through them but overall we weren't able to stop their attacking threats today. They had too much for us.
"I don't think our game management in general was good enough. They are a very good side and we needed to show more resilience and stay in the game until half time and keep the game tight. We didn't recognise the state of the game well enough and we didn't make enough good decisions to stay in the game and attack the second half."
On what he said during half-time: "Bits about the first half and how we managed it. There were also opportunities there for us and we were getting into good positions, but it was mostly about needing to show the right characteristics in the second half, show humility, we needed to defend better, we needed to show a better level of organisation and resilience and that we needed to get the next goal. If we had done that then the game could go in one direction. Of course they got the next goal and you are really trying to see out the game in the best way you can.
"We know how well we have been doing to be competitive. It's a huge, huge jump for the group and we don't have to be far off for games to be run away from us. We were off our level. If we do that against a good side like Newcastle then they can open you up. It's a lesson for us. It's probably going to happen a few times in the season."
On Sam Morsy suspension: "That's disappointing and we are missing some players that are really important for us and we will be against Arsenal so that's a challenge, but it's up to us to rise to that."
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Bukayo Saka is making his 250th appearance for Arsenal in all competitions. He has 67 goals and 64 assists to date for the club.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
That was the talk before the game of whether Gabriel Jesus would play. If you score a hat-trick, you'd be disappointed if you didn't.
He will be full of confidence right now.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Mark Schwarzer
Former Premier League goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live
The hat-trick midweek was massive for Gabriel Jesus.
He has earned his place tonight in the squad, but I do feel it is going to be a very different game.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Alex Howell
BBC football news reporter at Selhurst Park
Another show of faith from Mikel Arteta in Myles Lewis-Skelly. He's been given that role at left back in the Champions League and from the start in the Premier League.
He gives Arsenal the option for him to invert into midfield as so many of the top teams do now.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Crystal Palace caused Arsenal some early problems by hitting the ball long in midweek, will they do likewise this time? They've to get the ball first.
FT: Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna speaking to Sky Sports: "We didn't give up in the second half, generally we showed the right mental characteristics, but the opponent was better than us. Today we did not hit a good level.
"It's difficult when they score early in the game, but we can still overcome that. Our game management was not good enough, we needed to stay more solid in difficult periods to give us a chance to stay in the game, we did not do that.
"We just need to take each game as it comes, if there is anything we can take from today to make us stronger we will. Today has not happened to us much this season.
"It's a reminder to this group that games can get away from us if we are not 100% and don't do the right things."
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
Will home advantage work in Crystal Palace's favour this time as the two sides meet again in such a short space of time?
Arsenal get this one under way.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Image source, Getty ImagesThis is the second meeting of these teams in the past four days.
Arsenal beat Palace 3-2 at home in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday with Gabriel Jesus bagging a hat-trick.
The Brazilian has not scored in the Premier League since 30 January.
"It is different, but we don't have to analyse them too much," said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
"I am sure both sides will change a few things and personnel. We know what it's like to go to Selhurst Park and we have to prepare for that."
Palace boss Oliver Glasner said: "We showed the players and talked about it. From these games against the top teams, you can learn a lot.
"Of course, it hurts when you lose and are out of the cup but its also a big chance to learn and improve. The best chance we can show it now is on Saturday. I don't expect 30% improvement in those three days but a little bit and then we're looking to get a better result."
FT: Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “I got a nice message from Jermain Defoe. It’s about getting in the box. I want to get myself in areas to score. It’s in the box where you score the most goals.
“[I work on that] in training, where you build muscle memory. You work on it in training and I want to do that in games as well.
On Forest’s form: “We’ll let the fans enjoy the journey. We’ll keep taking things game-by-game and try to keep on winning.”
On Nuno Espirito Santo: “He’s been fantastic. He speaks many languages, so I think that helps the players. He’s very demanding and I think that’s been helping this season, contributing to the way we’ve been winning games.”
Crystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Phil Jones
Former Manchester United defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
On Mikel Arteta being at Arsenal for five years…
I think he will be fairly satisfied, the job he has done is a fantastic job compared to where Arsenal were when he took over.
There is a fear factor back at Arsenal, they competed with Man City last year for the title, but I fear for Arteta that he will now be judged on silverware.
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301 231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
It still seems J-Lo doesn't know the team he can rely on. It is a worthy point today but the last 20 was just rearguard stuff. The midfield is chronically outpaced everywhere. Liverpool will destroy us next weekend.
Jobie
Image source, ReutersCrystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
John Murray
BBC Radio 5 Live chief football correspondent at Selhurst Park
Gabriel Jesus has not scored in the Premier League since January.
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301 231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Extremely attacking line-up from Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly obviously going to be targeted on the right-flank. I feels like its a "We'll score more than you" mentality from Arteta.
Tony
FT: Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Image source, Getty ImagesBrentford manager Thomas Frank, speaking to PLP: “I thought we performed well, if I’m honest. I thought we were on top in a lot of moments, but we had more dangerous moments without having clear-cut chances. Defensively, it was probably our best performance of the season.
“Of course we’ve conceded two goals. That’s different. The second goal is obviously a mistake. The first one we can do better too, no doubt about that.
“Maybe we didn’t have enough on the bench because of injuries, but I’m quite pleased with the performance. It happens – that’s football.
“Nottingham Forest have played 4-2-3-1 all season but changed to a 5-4-1 here, which is a credit to what we’ve done [at home].”
On losing their home record: “It’s annoying, but it happens.”
FT: Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Absolutely delighted with the players and what they've given this week, it's been a really big week for us. Getting through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup was one of our big aims and our league form needed to improve so brilliant to get back-to-back wins.
"We're just constantly trying to tweak things and trying to improve, there are a number of little things to upturn our form. Our creative play has been back to what it has always been - free scoring and look like we can create at any time."
On Alexsander Isak: "There's no doubting his quality. We just needed to get the framework of the team right to give him the opportunity to score. He has really responded well. The goals today just show his class and coolness in front of goal. With his speed and his technical ability, he has a bit of everything.
"The plan is that Sandro [Tonali] plays a little bit deeper than Joe Willock and Bruno [Guimaraes], but they're still given a freedom to express themselves and to move. It's getting that balance right between the freedom and the structure, and I think they got the balance perfect."
On the January transfer window: "The message is that we're probably, at this moment in time, need to concentrate on the players that we do have and get the best out of them rather than looking externally."
Crystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Arsenal dropped down to fourth after Nottingham Forest's victory at Brentford today.
But they can go back up a place and to within three points of leaders Liverpool with a win at Selhurst Park.
Palace sit 15th and can't move up a place.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live
Credit to Mikel Arteta. He has built a foundation.
He has managed to build a foundation in a league which is ever-changing.
He has built and earned the respect of top teams.
There is always someone in this league who look strong and ultimately you need to overcome them.
If you want to be that type of manager who is seen as one of the top managers in world football you need to beat the best.
Jhon Duran opened the scoring in Aston Villa's 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday
Manchester City's crisis intensified as they slipped to another damaging defeat at Aston Villa.
Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers goals meant Phil Foden's late reply for the visitors was little consolation.
Defending champions City have dropped to sixth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool having played two games more, while Villa have moved above them into fifth.
It is now nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions for City, who are winless in their last eight away matches, as their season continues to spiral downwards.
Pep Guardiola made six changes from the Manchester derby defeat last week but it made little difference during another laboured performance.
Villa, who had won just three of their previous 11 top-flight games, earned a much-needed victory, one which keeps their top-four hopes firmly alive.
They were rarely troubled, although Emi Martinez saved well from Foden in the first half, and Villa continually found ways past City's frail backline.
The tone was set inside the first minute as City needed Stefan Ortega, in for the injured Ederson, to twice bail them out.
He brilliantly turned Pau Torres' header on to the bar, the goalkeeper clawing the ball out from almost over the line, having already saved from Duran following Josko Gvardiol's mistake after just 15 seconds.
Worse was to come after 16 minutes when City were sliced open by Youri Tielemans' brilliant through-ball. He found Rogers to advance and unselfishly square for Duran to beat Ortega.
City were unable to respond until it was too late and Rogers, who spent two years at Etihad Stadium without making a senior City appearance, sealed victory for Villa with a fine low finish after 65 minutes, making Foden's injury-time strike meaningless.
Man City need to think positively and find a way - Guardiola
Where do Manchester City go from here and who do they turn to on the pitch?
Bereft of confidence, City's players continued their alarming slump and there was never any sign it was going to end.
Just 15 seconds in Gvardiol's mistake let in Duran, who should have scored, and City rarely improved from there.
Over the past 12 games there have been few signs Guardiola's side are going to return to their all-conquering past selves and their hopes of a fifth straight title look in tatters.
Never mind defending their Premier League crown, City's focus must be on finding a way out of a nosedive which is now threatening their top-four spot.
Sixth and nine points behind leaders Liverpool, the fallen champions are in desperate need of an injection of confidence. That could come in the transfer window next month and it is inconceivable they will not strengthen.
Jack Grealish failed to make an impression at his former club, having joined City for £100m in 2021, Erling Haaland barely got a kick and only Rico Lewis and Stefan Ortega came out of the display in credit.
There appeared to be a lack of leadership on the pitch, perhaps down to confidence, and Guardiola is in unchartered territory during their struggles.
Emery praises 'fantastic' Villa performance following City win
Rogers never made a senior appearance for Manchester City in the two years he spent at the Etihad.
He left for Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023 and 18 months later was given a standing ovation by the home fans at Villa Park when the winger was replaced late on against his former club.
The 22-year-old outshone the returning Grealish at Villa Park, setting up Duran before a strong run ended with him swapping passes with John McGinn to seal victory.
It is a testament to Unai Emery's eye for a player and his ability to develop one that Rogers has made such an impact after joining from Boro in February, when there were question marks about his potential even at Riverside Stadium.
Rogers inspired a result which Villa desperately needed. While they have never dropped out of top-four contention their lack of consistency this season has made it much harder to see them as challengers.
Only goal difference separates them from Nottingham Forest in fourth and their position will undoubtedly strengthen Villa's hand in next month's transfer market.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 31 | 13 | 18 | 36 |
| |
| 2 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 19 | 18 | 34 |
| |
| 3 | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 16 | 18 | 33 |
| |
| 4 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 19 | 4 | 31 |
| |
| 5 | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 26 | 0 | 28 |
| |
| 6 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 29 | 25 | 4 | 27 |
| |
| 7 | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 21 | 6 | 26 |
| |
| 8 | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 21 | 3 | 25 |
| |
| 9 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 26 | 1 | 25 |
| |
| 10 | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 24 | 22 | 2 | 24 |
| |
| 11 | 16 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 36 | 19 | 17 | 23 |
| |
| 12 | 17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 32 | 32 | 0 | 23 |
| |
| 13 | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 22 |
| |
| 14 | 17 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 22 | 30 | -8 | 20 |
| |
| 15 | 17 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 18 | 26 | -8 | 16 |
| |
| 16 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 15 |
| |
| 17 | 16 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 21 | 34 | -13 | 14 |
| |
| 18 | 17 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 16 | 32 | -16 | 12 |
| |
| 19 | 16 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 24 | 40 | -16 | 9 |
| |
| 20 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 36 | -25 | 5 |
|
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Aston Villa won this exact fixture 1-0 last season but haven’t won consecutive home league meetings with Man City since April 1993.
Only against Newcastle have Manchester City won more Premier League games (31) and scored more Premier League goals (102) than they have against Aston Villa (30 wins, 98 goals).
Although overall Aston Villa have lost four of their last seven Premier League games (W2 D1), they’re unbeaten in each of their last seven at Villa Park (W4 D3). They’re looking to win three in a row at home for the first time since a run of 15 between March and December 2023.
Manchester City have lost five of their last seven Premier League games (W1 D1), as many as they had in their previous 67 combined (W51 D11). They last lost more in a single league campaign in 2020-21 (6).
Manchester City have lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions (W1 D2), as many as they had in their previous 106 combined (W78 D20). They last lost more in a single campaign in 2019-20 (12).
Manchester City have lost two of their last three Premier League games in which they’ve led at half-time (vs Brighton and Man Utd), as many defeats as in their previous 102 such games (W91 D9). The Citizens haven’t lost three such games in a single campaign since 2003-04.
Aston Villa have conceded 25 goals in the Premier League this season, from an xG against of 19.5, shipping around five more goals than would be expected (5.5). Only Wolves (40 goals conceded, 27.6 xGA) have a worse such record this term (-12.4).
Manchester City have had more shots than any other side in the Premier League this season (282). However, their shot conversion rate is just 9.9%, their lowest in a single campaign since 2006-07 (6.4%).
Man City’s Phil Foden has had more shots without scoring than any other player in the Premier League this season (24). Meanwhile, teammate Savinho has accumulated the highest xG of any player yet to score (2.1).
Josko Gvardiol has scored more goals than any other defender in the Premier League this season, while his four goals are the second most of any Manchester City player this term after Erling Haaland (13).
