Steven McInerney
Man City fan writer for Esteemed Kompany

Image source, PA Media

Kevin de Bruyne loves playing Arsenal. He has an uncanny knack of turning up against them and putting on a special show. It will not be easy though. Arsenal do look more refined and Manchester City maybe not quite as polished...yet!

Declan Rice has proved a wonderful signing for them and their defensive record speaks for itself. Despite that, I cannot help feeling positive.

Phil Foden is firing, Bernardo Silva is proving to be as enigmatic as ever and Pep Guardiola has that same steely look on his face that he does every spring.

It will not be easy, but this side has earned the trust of City fans and there is no reason to doubt them.

Big day for Kevin de Bruyne who is wearing the captain's armband for Manchester City.

Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to Sky Sports: "We didn't start as we wanted but it was an amazing game. We played against an unbelievable team. I know them [Brighton] very well, I know what they can do and it was a tough match but in the end we won it and we are very happy.

"I would rather not concede so early but the mentality of the boys is amazing and that is what you need when you are 1-0 down, and today we showed it again. But next time we have to start the game winning, not losing."

On setting up Mohamed Salah for Liverpool's second goal: "He's been asking for some passes and assists from me during the week. In the first half we tried to be connected - he missed a couple but then in the second half he showed his qualities."

On Manchester City v Arsenal: "I will watch it if I get home in time. It is a great football match, I will watch it and enjoy it but the result is not the most important thing."

Emmanuel Petit
Premier League winner with Arsenal

Playing against Declan Rice is like playing against a wall. Opponents can kick him, they can hurt him. But he will play on until the end and he will stay strong mentally and physically. He can suffer a lot but he will follow you always and for me this is the big difference between Arsenal of last season and Arsenal this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: "We arrive in the last periods of the season when we have 10 games left. It's nearly the end. We believe who we are. Me as a manager knowing these players for many, many years - never ever are we going to doubt for one second what they are capable off."

A combined fee of £800m+ in transfers in the starting XIs with 13 different countries represented. Just the £300m on City's bench.

By the way, Pep Guardiola has told Sky Sports that Ederson "was not even close" to be considered for this game.

"We have Stefan [Ortega]. We rely on him incredibly," he added.

Cesc Fabregas
Former Spain midfielder on Planer Premier League podcast

Arsenal have grown so much over the last year. With two or three new additions they look more solid, more mature. Their ability to counter-attack, keep the ball, to defend high, defend deep. They control a lot of areas now.

They know what it takes to beat Manchester City because they have done that already. It will be a challenge for Arsenal to see where they are at this point.

But I think they will surprise people because they are a step higher than anyone thinks.

Leon Osman
Former Everton midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

The crowd didn't panic by conceding the early goal, they know this Liverpool team can score goals.

Emmanuel Petit
Premier League winner with Arsenal

Image source, Reuters

I don't know if Arsenal are going to win the title this season but I think they can get a result against Manchester City. A lot of people see a close game. I don't know why but I feel it could be an explosive match.

Manchester City

Manchester City midfielder Rodri, speaking to Sky Sports: "We are here at home with our people and our crowd. We suffered [at Arsenal] but here with our crowd it is going to be different for sure. We are ready for this. We have come back from the break and we are ready for the challenge."

Peter Schmeichel
Ex-Man Utd and Man City goalkeeper on 5 Live

Rodri is back, he doesn't lose football matches. Kevin de Bruyne is playing. Phil Foden is probably the best English young player. City have won three consecutive Premier League's. It is tough to come here at this time of year and get something.

Image source, Getty Images

Rodri's importance to Manchester City has been well illustrated but it's now more than ONE YEAR since the Spain midfielder last tasted defeat for club and country.

He has played close to 5,000 minutes since appearing in Spain's 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park on 28 March 2023.

No wonder he is such an important part of Pep Guardiola's chase for an astonishing double Treble.

Image source, .

Thanks Gary.

No hyperbole needed for this one. Manchester City haven't lost for 116 days, Arsenal have won all eight Premier League matches in 2024. One team is going for an astonishing double Treble. The other is approaching April still on course for a Premier League-Champions League Double.

The title will not be decided by this but the outcome could have a significant impact on where the trophy ends up.

Buckle up. This could be a thrill ride.

We'll bring reaction to that big result for Liverpool as soon as we get it but time now to hand over to Neil Johnston as he builds up to Manchester City versus Arsenal.

Leon Osman
Former Everton midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Brilliant game of football. Liverpool probably just about edged it but Brighton played their part. Important game in the title race.

All over!

Liverpool hold on to secure a massive three points that puts them top of the table for now.

Pressure on Manchester City and Arsenal, who go head-to-head in just over 30 minutes.

Mohamed Salah sweeps a shot wide. That third is proving elusive for Liverpool but they just have to hold on for a few more seconds.