5 memorable Arsenal victories away at Manchester City
Ahead of the Sunday, April 19, 2026, encounter at the Etihad, matches between Arsenal and Manchester City have grown increasingly competitive over the last twenty years. Even before the rivalry reached its current intensity, Arsenal had already enjoyed several unforgettable results on City’s turf.
Journeys to both Maine Road and later the Etihad Stadium have delivered numerous highlights, including impressive triumphs and spectacular goals scored on City’s home ground.
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Below is a look back at five standout fixtures that remain etched in memory, as the two sides meet in a clash termed as the title race decider.
December 12, 1994 — Manchester City 1–2 Arsenal
Heading into this clash, George Graham’s team had endured a difficult spell, failing to register a win in seven outings. Meanwhile, their opponents were comfortably positioned among the division’s leading sides.
Despite the poor run of form, Arsenal seized control through two rapid strikes. Alan Smith opened the scoring in the 31st minute by finishing off an accurate cross from Lee Dixon. Soon after, Stefan Schwarz both initiated and concluded a flowing attacking move to double the advantage.
City responded late on through Fitzroy Simpson, whose goal with ten minutes remaining set up a tense finish. However, the defeat marked the start of a difficult period for the hosts, who managed just one victory in their following sixteen fixtures and were dragged into a battle to avoid relegation before eventually surviving.
April 11, 2001 — Manchester City 0–4 Arsenal
Arsenal delivered a ruthless attacking performance at Maine Road, putting the game beyond reach within the opening half hour by scoring all four goals inside the first 35 minutes.
Freddie Ljungberg got the scoring underway after only eight minutes, beating goalkeeper Carlo Nash. Moments later, Sylvain Wiltord doubled the lead, leaving the home side stunned.
The visitors maintained their relentless tempo, effectively sealing the result by the 16th minute. A clever piece of skill from Nwankwo Kanu allowed Ljungberg to run through and add his second, before Kanu himself finished off an intricate passing move that left City’s defence completely disorganised.
February 22, 2003 — Manchester City 1–5 Arsenal
Once again, Arsenal wrapped up the outcome early, this time scoring four goals in just 19 minutes.
Dennis Bergkamp struck first, followed shortly by Robert Pires extending the lead. Thierry Henry then produced a moment of brilliance, controlling a long delivery from Martin Keown before calmly finishing into the corner.
Sol Campbell added further punishment with a powerful header from a set-piece. In the second half, Patrick Vieira joined the scorers to register the fifth goal. A late effort from Nicolas Anelka against his former club offered minimal consolation to the disappointed home supporters.
October 24, 2010 — Manchester City 0–3 Arsenal
The contest took a decisive turn almost immediately when City defender Dedryck Boyata was sent off just five minutes into the match for bringing down Marouane Chamakh.
Arsenal capitalised on their numerical advantage, taking the lead through Samir Nasri before halftime.
Although Cesc Fabregas failed to convert a penalty, Arsenal maintained control after the interval. Alex Song unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner to widen the gap, and late in the match Nasri set up Nicklas Bendtner, who calmly finished past Joe Hart to complete the victory.
January 18, 2015 — Manchester City 0–2 Arsenal
Arsenal’s most recent triumph at the Etihad Stadium was inspired by an outstanding display from Santi Cazorla, who both scored and assisted.
After Vincent Kompany fouled Nacho Monreal inside the penalty area, Cazorla confidently converted from the spot to give Arsenal the lead.
Later in the match, he delivered a precise free-kick into the box, which Olivier Giroud met with a decisive finish to double the advantage and bring an end to City’s impressive 12-match unbeaten run.
Ahead of Sunday, April 19, 2026, Pep Guardiola has admitted that any mistake would spell doom to their bid to outsmart Arsenal and win the league.
