Manchester City fans have arrived at the Etihad Stadium armed with Arsenal-branded bottles ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash, in a brutal gesture aimed at rattling their title rivals.
The bottles, featuring the Arsenal crest, were spotted on sale outside the stadium before kick-off, referencing the football slang “bottling” — a term used to describe a team losing composure at crucial moments.
The move builds on a viral moment from City’s previous match at Stamford Bridge, where a supporter was caught on camera pretending to drink from an Arsenal-branded plastic bottle. That fan, Stockport-based father of three Tal Rehman, was later revealed to have a secret message on the bottle and is so City-mad he named his son Yaya.
Speaking about the bottles being sold on Sunday, one fan posted on X: “It’s appropriate because it’s true. We will be the biggest laughing stock today because of this stubborn manager.”
Another said: “Psychological war heats up ahead of the game.”
Ahead of the match, Arsenal sat six points clear at the top of the table, knowing that a win would put them firmly on course for their first Premier League title in 22 years. However, City secured a 2-1 victory, tightening the race at the top.
The incident adds a fresh twist to the growing rivalry between the two clubs, which has intensified in recent years due to frequent title races and high-profile encounters. City currently hold second place with a game in hand that could put them at the top if won.
