It was the Gunners that would be handed all three points as Gabriel Martinelli's deflected strike late on was the deciding factor come full-time. While it was a fantastic moment for all Arsenal supporters, who will now have lofty ambitions of pipping City to the title this season, there is a growing problem in the background.
Returns for a few stars against the Cityzens was marred with injury issues for Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba in the fallout. With that said, here's a look at the latest Arsenal injury news heading into the international break.
Bukayo Saka
After being forced off in last week's defeat to RC Lens in the Champions League, Saka was left out of the Arsenal squad completely against Manchester City. The injury concerns over the winger became too much, consequently seeing him become a doubt for the international break.
Saka was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to witness the win over City and supporters will be hoping the 22-year-old is fit enough to feature against Chelsea in less than two weeks' time. However, England men's national team posted an update that announced the youngster won't be part of the squad for the international break.
What Mikel Arteta has said: "He felt something and then you are tempted to risk him, but he was unable to train yesterday so that put him out of the game straight away. It’s a blow not to have him but we have lost players in recent weeks and have adapted to it. He is a really important player, there is no question about that, but the team has to use the resources that we have to make it, even without him."What the England national team have said: "Bukayo Saka will play no part in England’s fixtures with Australia and Italy. The forward reported to St. George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad. Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club."
Injury: Hamstring and thigh
Expected return date: Unknown
Leandro Trossard
Trossard returned to the Arsenal XI against Lens last week and was handed a place in Arteta's side on Sunday following news of Saka's absence. However, he only lasted 45 minutes and was replaced by matchwinner Martinelli.
The forward was expected to play a part in Belgium's European Championship qualifier double header against Austria and Sweden. However, an update from the national team announced that after being assessed, Trossard has withdrawn from the squad and won't take part.
What Mikel Arteta has said: "He [Martinelli] said I was going to be there, he was there in training and he said I am ready to go. Leo [Trossard] got injured and I looked and he was already dressed up ready to go.
What the Belgian national team have said: "UPDATE: @LTrossard [Leandro Trossard] is not fit to join the squad at the Proximus Basecamp on Monday. He will be replaced by Arthur Vermeeren. Best of luck, Arthur!"
Injury: Hamstring
Return date: Unknown
William Saliba
One of Arsenal's best players against Man City, Saliba withdrew from the France squad for the international break due to a toe injury. The news came shortly after the final whistle in north London, meaning the defender played the entirety of the game through an injury.
Fortunately for Arsenal fans, football.london understands that the toe issue isn't a huge concern and has been an ongoing discomfort for some time. It means there's some hope that Saliba should be back to face London rivals Chelsea in just less than two-weeks' time.Injury: Big toe
Expected return date: Chelsea (A) - October 21
Thomas Partey
The midfielder made his first appearance since August off the bench on Sunday, replacing Jorginho in the 75th minute. His return comes after he sustained a groin problem during a training session.
Partey has been named in the Ghana squad for their upcoming games against Mexico and USMNT. Arsenal will be hoping he returns to London unscathed.
Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian superstar returned to action in style at the Emirates Stadium with the match winner. His strike deflected off Nathan Ake and past Ederson in dramatic fashion. Fortunately for the Gunners, Martinelli has been left out of the Brazil squad meaning he will now spend the next week or so completing his full recovery.
What Mikel Arteta has said: "Another one with big ones as well because no one was expecting him to be in the team. He said I was going to be there, he was there in training and he said I am ready to go. Leo (Trossard) got injured and I looked and he was already dressed up ready to go. He’s a joy to work with."
He was in attendance for the game against Man United. football.london spoke to Timber post-match where the 22-year-old was still using the aid of two crutches to move about.
Asked how he was feeling with his recovery, a swift, "good, good" was the response. He will be sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window.
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