Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard views the intense rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City as a natural outcome of both clubs' ambition to be the best. Reflecting on the competitive nature of their encounters, Ødegaard remarked, "I think it is normal when you play these big games that there is a big rivalry. You are competing and you want to be the best. So, that's how it should be and there should be a little bit of heat sometimes.

This rivalry has been particularly evident in recent seasons, with Arsenal finishing as runners-up to City in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Premier League campaigns. Their most recent meeting in September was marked by heightened emotions, including a notable altercation where City's Erling Haaland confronted Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, telling him to "stay humble.

Despite such on-field tensions, Ødegaard emphasizes that these moments are driven by the high stakes and adrenaline inherent in top-tier football. He downplays the significance of these incidents, attributing them to the natural emotions of the game. Off the pitch, many players share camaraderie, especially those who are national teammates. Ødegaard, for instance, shares a close friendship with Haaland, his compatriot from Norway. He notes that while they maintain a group chat and discuss various topics, football isn't a primary subject of their conversations.

As the two teams prepare to face each other again, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever. Currently, Arsenal sits second in the league with 47 points, trailing leaders Liverpool by six points, while Manchester City is fourth with 41 points. Both clubs are eager to assert their dominance, ensuring that their upcoming clash will be one to watch.