Well straight away Eddie Nketiah burns past the City defence and chips wide - but the offisde flag was raised.

City have got massive TVs behind the goal with some fans on a Zoom call - that's what it looks like anyway.

Under way!

All 22 players and referee Anthony Taylor do indeed all take a knee.

It's that wet poor old Pep is having to sit on a towel.

We're having a minute to mark those lost to the pandemic.

Image source, Getty Images

If you missed it earlier, Aston Villa and Sheffield United's players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement immediately after kick-off.

Same again?

Here come the players, lining up in the incessant precipitation. The scheduled drinks break may have to be for a Bovril.

Some things never change - it is bucketing down with rain in Manchester. June or January. Makes no odds.

Arsenal have lost their last five league matches against Man City; they last had a longer losing run against an opponent between 1974 and 1977 against Ipswich Town (seven in a row).

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaking to Sky Sports: "We try to play a good game for the few people here and those at home. Of course, after a long injury, it is good that he [Leroy Sane] is back."

On Mikel Arteta's return: "We were together for an incredible three and a half years. I learned a lot from him. He is an exceptional person and I wish him all the best.

"We want to win of course. The best players will win. I cannot play unfortunately and he [Arteta] cannot play either, fortunately!"

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports: "Everything, every protocol, is different, so we have to adapt and find the right motivation. Let's find out how it goes."

On David Luiz being left out of the starting XI, among others: "There are a few things that have happened in the last few weeks so I have to pick the team that I think will do well.

"It's a very emotional game for me obviously but I am very excited. It's been a tough few months for everybody."

It's been a bad night for technology so far. Why on earth wasn't that Sheffield United goal given? We await a proper explanation.

And I had a power cut. My first Premier League live game done from the kitchen was nearly a non starter. Tech support (my wife) set me up a 4G hotspot or something and we battled through but I was contemplating having to type in the dark.

We go again!

A reminder of the teams for the late game:

Man City: Ederson, Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy, Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, Sterling. Subs: Aguero, Zinchenko, Rodri, Sane, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, Otamendi, Carson, Foden.

Arsenal: Leno, Bellerin, Pablo Mari, Mustafi, Tierney, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Nketiah, Willock, Saka, Aubameyang. Subs: Ceballos, Lacazette, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Luiz, Nelson, Martinez, Kolasinac, Martinelli.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Cheers Gaz, and evening all.

We're back - sort of!

Image source, Getty Images

Here's what Manchester City have done to try and make the empty ground look a bit better. Looks good - better than the Spanish Snes graphics attempt anyway!

Right, stick around for the reaction from that game - it should be interesting!

Meanwhile, Tom Rostance has his eyes on what's happening at the Etihad Stadium, over to you Tom!

The draw moves Aston Villa to within a point of safety while Sheffield United move up to sixth, one point behind Manchester United.

Clinton Morrison
Former Crystal Palace striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Sheffield United will be gutted. Instead of us talking about the start of the Premier League what will we be all talking about again?

VAR - and the technology not working. People getting decisions wrong. That's not what we want to be discussing.

The players weren't at 100% which we knew, tired legs and tired minds. One goal would have decided it.

All over!

The first game on Premier League's return ends goalless. The controversial 'no goal' for Sheffield United in the first half will take the headlines.

Clinton Morrison
Former Crystal Palace striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Villa will count themselves fortunate to come away with a point. A bad decision has cost Sheffield United.

Ahmed El Mohamady pings the ball into the box as Aston Villa embark on one final attack but there's no-one in there waiting for it.

Not much time left. This is going to end goalless unless someone can rustle up a bit of magic?