Former City defender Nedum Onuoha said: "Not to pour water on it, but I don't think it's the biggest statement. From a Manchester City perspective, or a more neutral perspective, there wasn't much between the two sides.

"If it finished a draw there wouldn't be many complaints. You get the feeling they are going to be right there together anyway.

"The last time Arsenal beat City I was in my 20s - and considering I'm thinking about 40, it says a lot about getting that monkey off your back."

Former Premier League and current QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic added: "Manchester City are serial winners. They've been champions many times, so you don't worry about them.

"They can cruise for a certain amount of time and then boom - second half of the season they take off on another level. The game istelf was very even. It was a classic draw."