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• Guardiola declares "war" on Arsenal in escalating rivalry

  Pep Guardiola said Manchester City had been "provoked" into a "war" with Arsenal after the two sides drew 2-2 at the Etihad Stadium in a drama-filled clash.

  City players John Stones and Kyle Walker suggested the Gunners used the "dark arts" as they sought to defend a 2-1 lead in the second half with 10 men.

  Mikel Arteta's men had just one shot and 12.4% possession following the break, after Leandro Trossard had been sent off just before half-time.

  While Stones salvaged a point with a late equaliser, Arsenal’s defensive approach led Guardiola to call into question what had previously been a cordial relationship with former protegee Arteta.

  "Gabriel [Magalhaes] said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I'm there," the City boss told the media.

  "You want a war? Now we war."

  Last Sunday's result means City have failed to beat Arsenal in their last four meetings in all competitions.

  Arsenal had overturned a 1-0 deficit in the first half after an early Erling Haaland goal to lead 2-1 through Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel.

  When asked about accusations of the "dark arts", Arteta reflected the claims back on his opponents in reference to the time he spent at City as Guardiola's assistant.

  "I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know, believe me," the Spaniard jibed.

  The City boss responded: "Next time Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means.

  "He said he was here four years and knows exactly what happened here. That can be related to the process now with 115 charges, maybe he knows information about that? Or maybe he had something like, I don't know?

  "Hopefully, this question has been asked, and he can answer exactly what he means."

  Arteta is still hugely respectful of his former mentor.

  "I love him, I respect him, and I admire him. I admire his team and everything that he does," added Arteta.

• Alisson and Ederson 'push each other to be better'

  Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has suggested that the form and ability of compatriot and Manchester City stopper Ederson pushes him to be better on the field.

  Since making his Premier League debut in August 2018, the Brazilian has prevented more league goals than any other goalkeeper according to Opta's goals prevented metric.

  He has also kept 89 clean sheets, with only Ederson (97) managing more in the same period.

  "Ederson is a fantastic guy and in the national team, we have a really good relationship," said the 31-year-old, during an interview for BBC's Football Focus.

  "I really like his composure… When I look at him, I can see that this is the way that I have to play. I have to be cooler with the ball at my feet even when I am under pressure.

  "I think in a way we push each other because I see him doing well, and I know I have to do better.

  "It's healthy competition, we push each other, and it's the best for the national team."

  Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2018, Alisson has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup, along with the 2019 Copa America with Brazil.

  But he insists that while he has enjoyed the success he has achieved, they are not his main source of drive.

  "My main motivation is not the prizes… my motivations come from inside," he added.

  "My faith in God makes me work hard and better. I really believe that everything I do is a way to praise God.

  "Winning trophies and awards makes me happy, but my motivation comes from inside, my family."

  Alisson and Liverpool are aiming to emulate some of the success achieved by former manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed him, under the leadership of his replacement Arne Slot.

  Slot has made a bright start to life at Anfield, winning six matches out of seven in all competitions, while they currently occupy second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Man City.

  The new ideas brought in by the Dutchman have been warmly embraced by the Liverpool players, according to Alisson.

  "We were great before, but Arne is bringing us a new energy and knowledge," he said.

  "He is a really smart manager, and he is helping us a lot. You can see from how we are playing now.

  "We are committed to the plan and can see it is a good plan. We still have a lot to improve, but we are [going] in the right direction. We have a big gap to reach for our best, but we are doing well so far."

  Following the departure of senior players such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner in recent seasons, Alisson is now one of the oldest and most experienced players within the Liverpool squad.

  That has seen him take on more leadership responsibilities alongside other established players, having rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

  "I am committed to this club 100% and that involves being part of the leadership group," he said.

  "We have a lot of young players coming in, new players coming in, old players going out, there is a completely new staff.

  "The challenge for us was to keep the good things, pass these onto the staff and the players coming in, and embrace the good stuff that the new staff are bringing.

  "It was a big challenge for this leadership group and I really believe we are doing quite well. We are sharing the responsibility and telling young players they need to step up as well.

  "This club is special and the people who work here are special."

• Crystal Palace 0-7 Chelsea: Blues run riot to keep Bompastor perfect

  Sonia Bompastor maintained her perfect start to life as Chelsea head coach as her side turned on the style in the second half to beat Crystal Palace 7-0 on Friday. 

  After Lauren James saw a goal ruled out, the Blues found their breakthrough in the 38th minute as Agnes Beever-Jones turned home Johanna Rytting Kaneryd's delivery. 

  Lucy Bronze handed the visitors the perfect start to the second half, guiding a strike into the far corner for her first Chelsea goal since her move from Barcelona. 

  The result was put beyond doubt just before the hour-mark as James finally got her name on the scoresheet, opening her account for the season from close range. 

  But the Blues were not done there. Guro Reiten struck beyond Shae Yanez for Chelsea's fourth, with Catarina Macario's corner then finished by Nathalie Bjorn. 

  Reiten notched her second in the 90th minute, with Macario adding gloss to an impressive showing from the defending champions as she capitalised on Yanez's parry to compound the newly-promoted Eagles to a second defeat of the season. 

  Data Debrief: Ruthless Blues clip Eagles' wings

  After a battling display against Aston Villa on the opening day, Bompastor's side showcased the attacking ruthlessness that was missing a week ago. 

  James was a particular standout for the Blues, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 0.95 to Chelsea's 2.47 total from her four shots during the encounter. 

  Chelsea ended the contest with 24 shots, 11 of which were on target, completing 56 touches inside the opposition's box compared to Palace's 12. 

  But for all of their attacking brilliance, Chelsea have now kept a clean sheet in each of their last five games in the Women's Super League. Their last longer run of games without conceding a goal in the competition was a run of six matches between February and April in 2021.