Sergio Aguero's goal is his 29th of the season. He's now scored in six league matches on the bounce. 

In contrast, that is Olivier Giroud's first Premier League goal in 16 appearances.

Chris Wright: Just like that! 1-1!

The Waterloo Gooner: Could someone please tell me what is going on??

David P H Thomas: Have teams forgotten how to defend? What do they practice in training?

Robbie Savage
Ex-Leicester midfielder at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"A free header, Mangala's mistake! Giroud was unmarked eight yards out, and he's powered his header past Joe Hart who didn't even dive. Get in! What a start!"

Image source, Getty Images

Andrew Soar: No Ozil? Interesting to see how Iwobi copes centrally.

Aaron Theaker: Can someone please tell me what info Giroud is using to blackmail Wenger into starting him every game ?

Yullaw: Come on Arsenal, don't disappoint today!

City have a free-kick, which Kevin de Bruyne swings into the box and Petr Cech almost spills before gathering. 

The home side come again, though, and Sergio Aguero drives in to the box before crossing across the face of goal. Had Kelechi Iheanacho taken a gamble he could have had his fifth goal in two and a bit Premier League games.

Image source, Reuters

All City to start with. They force the first corner, which is swung to the near post but smuggled away by Arsenal. Any hope of a counter are ended, though, when Danny Welbeck charges down a blind alley.

City are quick out of the blocks. Laurent Koscielny fluffs a clearance and the home side are on him like a pack of rabid dogs. Fortunately, the rest of the Arsenal defence are a bit sharper and rally to spare their team-mate's blushes.

Off we go.

Image source, Reuters

The sun is shining in Manchester. That has to be a good omen. The teams are on their way out of the tunnel and we are minutes away from a whole game of football.

Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender

"A point would pretty much make sure of third place for the Gunners but I just do not fancy them away from home at the moment. I think too many of their players are on their holidays.

"City will move above Arsenal on goal difference if they win, but are in danger of dropping out of the top four if they lose.

"I am going for the former - it is Manuel Pellegrini's final home game in charge of City and the players and fans will want to give him a decent send off.

"Prediction: 2-1"

City have opted for a shot of Kelechi Iheanacho on the front of today's match programme. No surprises there. The striker has scored four goals in his last two Premier League matches. He averages a goal every 86.9 minutes in the Premier League this season, the best rate of any player to score two or more goals. Take a bow son.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We have regrets because we had a chance to finish top of the league.

"Our target now is to secure our position in the Champions League next year.

"If possible, to get in second place and at least secure third and on Sunday we can achieve that. If we win the two games, we will be all right."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "It's a special game because we finish here at home after three intensive years. We've always received the support of the fans, so we're really happy with them.

"For me, the second season was the worst - if we can finish in third in this third season it wouldn't be extraordinary but still a good season.

"I will have emotions on Sunday but I prefer not to show them in an external way."

Image source, PA

BBC Radio 5 Live

John Cross, Chief Football Writer for the Daily Mirror: "Arsenal have been particularly disappointing at home this season. They have thrown away cheap points. Imagine if they had won more home games - they'd be right in the title mix and certainly above Tottenham. 

"But let's be honest here, the Gunners haven't played well across the season. They haven't been consistent or even played very well. This summer they really need some self-examination. 

"I look at Arsenal sometimes and see a nice clutch of players, but they are too nice. You need positive tension within a group, not for it to be lovely at training every day. For all the talk of team spirit, I'm not buying into that.

"Mind you, I don't think there's any chance of Arsene Wenger moving on, despite the time having come for a natural change."

Robbie Savage
Ex-Leicester midfielder at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini are nice men. The performances from both teams this season have reflected their managers. Hunger, fight and so on comes from the boss.

"It's the same old season from Arsenal, so they are par for the course. Man City expect to win the league, therefore their campaign's been the more disappointing."

Image source, PA

It doesn't require a phone call to Stephen Hawking to figure out where it has gone wrong for City this season. They have only won one of their 13 matches against the current top eight in the Premier League this season (D3, L9) - that victory came against Southampton.

This season they have lost home games against West Ham, Liverpool, Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester United. Ouch.

Image source, Getty Images

Pellegrini will take charge of his 57th and final home match in the Premier League as Manchester City manager today. 

He has won 43 of his 56 matches (D5, L8) - a win percentage of 76.8%.

However, last season Arsenal came to City and won 2-0 with a superb counter-attacking display.