Ruben Dias Brushes Off Arsenal Rivalry as Man City Eye Revenge at Emirates

Ruben Dias has made it clear that he and his Manchester City teammates are not getting caught up in the growing narrative around Arsenal’s so-called “new rivalry” with Pep Guardiola’s men. The Portuguese centre-back insists that City are fully focused on themselves as they prepare for a crucial clash at the Emirates Stadium — a game that offers them the chance to avenge last season’s bruising 5-1 defeat to the Gunners.

For all of City’s dominance in the Premier League over the past decade, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have quietly emerged as one of their trickiest opponents. The north London side are unbeaten in their last five meetings with the champions and were one of the few teams to outplay them last term.

Arsenal vs Man City – The Rivalry That Keeps Growing

This fixture has started to feel like something more than just another Premier League game. While Liverpool were the ones who ultimately wrestled the title away from City last season, it was Arsenal who caused Guardiola’s side the most headaches.

Across the last two campaigns, the two clubs have been locked in a tight battle at the top, pushing each other to new heights. City may have won both title races, but Arsenal have enjoyed the upper hand in head-to-head clashes — including that 5-1 thrashing at the Emirates last season and a gritty 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

For many neutrals, this has become the Premier League’s most intriguing matchup: two possession-based sides, two elite managers who know each other inside out, and two squads brimming with world-class talent.

Ruben Dias: “I Don’t Really Care About Them”

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City – Premier League Dias

Dias, however, is not buying into the narrative. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash, the 27-year-old defender was calm but firm when asked about Arsenal’s recent record against City and the so-called rivalry between the clubs.

“To be honest, I don’t really care about them,” Dias told reporters. “I just care about us. All I have to say is what I know from our side. We play games to win for ourselves — for our families, our people.

“If other people want to play games because of rivalries or whatever feeds them, then go ahead. Be what you want to be. We believe in what we do, and we do it for ourselves, our families, our loved ones, our fans and our club.”

It was a typically composed and grounded response from the Portugal international, who has become one of City’s most important leaders since joining from Benfica in 2020.

Motivation After Last Season’s Humbling

While Dias is adamant that City are not obsessed with Arsenal, he does admit that last season’s 5-1 defeat is still fresh in the players’ minds — and that it provides motivation rather than pressure.

“I wouldn’t say it’s that we have something to prove,” Dias explained. “It’s more that we want to win. We are very aware of what happened last season, and I feel like, in a way, that’s a good fear.

“You know what I mean? Realising some situations where we were, and now being in this position and starting over, knowing everything we need to do not to get ourselves in those positions again.”

City are used to bouncing back from setbacks, and Guardiola’s side rarely lose twice to the same opponent in quick succession.

City Finding Form at the Right Time

Guardiola Manchester City Napoli

After a shaky start to the 2025-26 campaign, which saw them slip into the bottom half of the table after defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, City seem to have rediscovered their rhythm.

A 3-0 victory over Manchester United in the derby provided a major boost heading into the international break, and that was followed by a statement win over Italian champions Napoli in the Champions League.

Guardiola will hope that his side can carry that momentum into Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates — a ground that has not been particularly kind to City of late.

Arsenal Flying High

Standing in their way is an Arsenal team that has been flying this season. Mikel Arteta’s men have picked up four wins from their opening five league matches and have conceded just once so far.

The summer additions of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze have added even more dynamism to an already dangerous attack, while Declan Rice continues to control games from midfield.

Arteta will know that another strong performance against City could send a powerful message to the rest of the league — and perhaps signal that Arsenal are finally ready to go one better in the title race.

What’s Next for Manchester City

Once the dust settles on Sunday’s game, City will turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, where they travel to Huddersfield for a third-round tie on Wednesday.

Guardiola has often used the competition to give minutes to squad players and academy prospects, but much will depend on how his team come through the clash with Arsenal.

For now, though, all focus is on north London — and on getting revenge for last season’s bruising loss. Dias may insist that the rivalry doesn’t matter, but come kick-off, there is no doubt that City will be fired up to set the record straight.