I tell you what... that's the second time now that Theo Walcott has ghosted in behind Manchester City's right-back, Bacary Sagna. This time he runs the ball out of play - but Manuel Pellegrini should take note.

Image source, Reuters

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

"Think the word "cagey" covers this start perfectly - although Manchester City moving it about with greater comfort and fluidity. David Silva, to the surprise of no-one, is heavily involved early on."

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport in the Match of the Day 2 edit suite

"Arsenal are panicking," says Martin Keown as he watches Manchester City swarm their hosts' area from the Match of the Day 2 edit suite.

Then, in a throwback to yesteryear, the former centre back shouts "SHAPE!" as Arsenal's back four rush out after clearing the danger.

Keown and Phil Neville - pundits on MOTD2 later - are tucking into chicken and salad, a footballer classic.

Image source, Reuters

Arsenal are sitting back quite deep as Manchester City stroke the ball about. All in their own time. Arsene Wenger looks a little anxious as she shuffles back to his seat beside a stern-looking Steve Bould. 

Image source, AFP

I went to the Football Museum in Manchester the other day and spotted Petr Cech's headguard in a glass case there. That's how iconic his bonce protector has become.

Whatever next? A lock of Robbie Savage's hair...

Danny Mills
Former Man City defender, Final Score

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport in the Match of the Day 2 edit suite

"Do you think the goalkeeper has made a difference?" Phil Neville asks Martin Keown as Petr Cech places the ball for a goal kick.

"This fella just takes the sting out of things," replies Keown. "If he needs to release it quickly he will, if not he won't."

The two pundits will be on Match of the Day 2 later.

Image source, AFP

We're only 12 minutes in and already Yaya Toure looks like he's been dragged through a bush backwards. His captain's armband is tangled up in his sleeve, he's panting and looking - let's be honest - disinterested.

But don't be fooled. Once he gets in that final third he comes to life. He could be the difference tonight.

It's as though Manchester City have been told to shoot from range tonight - both David Silva and now Fernandinho have had a dig but failed to make the keeper work.

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport in the Match of the Day 2 edit suite

"Look at that hole in midfield Yaya has vacated," says Phil Neville.

The pundits are trying to work out Manchester City's formation early on and almost in sync they say "4-1-4-1". It's a curve ball from Manuel Pellegrini.

Fabian Delph goes down under a challenge and Martin Keown says, "sometimes we sit here and forget a wrap around the ankles can hurt".

It takes about 0.5 seconds for someone to pipe up with "how many of those did you dish out?" He goes back to his team sheet without a reply.

Neville and Keown will be on MOTD2 at 22:40 GMT, 23:40 GMT in Scotland.

Groans echo around the stadium when Mesut Ozil slips the ball through in the direction of Olivier Giroud, but Theo Walcott is not reading the same book and he diverts the ball out of play. The England flyer then hops off to change his boots.

It's not their fault, Theo.

Image source, Reuters

That's promising for Manchester City - Kevin de Bruyne picking up the ball in 'the hole' and driving at the Arsenal defence. He slaloms between defenders and skips over trailing legs but eventually runs into one defender too many.

The bit's between his teeth, mind.

Image source, AFP

Fabian Delph looks to have hurt his ankle in the Manchester City midfield. Get warmed up, Raheem?

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport in the Match of the Day 2 studio

Image source, BBC Sport

"Interestingly these are the only two managers in this league who have won this league," says Martin Keown, a pundit on Match of the Day 2 tonight.

There's some debate on this being Arsenal's best chance to win the title in recent years within the edit suite. Keown, a legend at the club of course, is quick to point out that this is just a normal season for the Gunners in terms of performance, he instead references others around them stuttering.

"They normally come good after Christmas," he adds, with a glint of hope in his voice.

Match of the Day 2 is on at 22:40 GMT, 23:40 GMT in Scotland.

Arsenal are in their usual red and white strip, with Manchester City donning a fetching dark blue number. It's the hosts who are having the early possession.

Image source, AFP

This is your last football fest before the big man shuffles down your chimney, folks. Enjoy.

Image source, AFP

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport in the Match of the Day 2 edit suite

Phil Neville's phone rings and let's just say the ring tone gets a few laughs.

He's asked: "Is that the theme to a Spanish TV soap?"

It was a club phone so maybe it actually was.

Neville will be on Match of the Day 2 at 22:40 GMT and one hour later in Scotland.

Image source, Getty

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger speaking to Sky Sports: "Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini have a high workrate and Mesut Ozil has improved a lot defensively as well. 

"Manchester City are very creative in midfield so we need to have great solidarity together."

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Sometimes I look at Mesut Ozil and think 'what a wonderful player.' Assist after assist. I'd like to think he could be more ruthless. Does he play the game for fun or does he try and really hurt opponents?

"He could go on and be Arsenal's very best player if he takes chances to score when he can."

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport

Phil Neville looks eager to watch this one in the Match of the Day 2 edit suite. 

Asked what battle he's looking at as potentially key he comes back with Mesut Ozil v David Silva.

He says Silva is among his favourite players in the league and references Arsene Wenger's hyping up of Ozil.

The German international has 13 Premier League assists this season, that's more than Manchester United's players combined.

"I still think Silva will come out on top tonight," says Neville.