Manchester City were forced into an early change in their crucial title fight against Arsenal on Sunday with Nathan Ake being replaced by Rico Lewis after just 25 minutes.

Pep Guardiola was already working without two key defenders at the Etihad Stadium after Kyle Walker and John Stones were ruled out ahead of kick off.

Ake's problem came after a largely dominant opening period for the hosts. On commentary, Gary Neville said "he was struggling on the halfway line. [Manuel] Akanji is going to go in one and Rico Lewis is going to go right-back." READ MORE: Man City vs Arsenal LIVE updates READ MORE: I'm glad I failed at City - I quit football and now I'm worth £83m City also started the game without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson despite Guardiola saying before the game that the Brazilian would be available.

Kevin De Bruyne did get the nod from the start but Stones was left on the bench even after Ake's knock. The home side had been the stronger of the two teams in the opening period of the game without truly testing David Raya.

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Brazil Manchester Madrid Switzerland city Man Gary Neville Kevin De-Bruyne John Stones Nathan Ake Kyle Walker Chelsea David Raya Rico Lewis Fighting Citi Commentary FIVE Arsenal

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Man City dealt major injury blow vs Arsenal as Pep Guardiola nightmare continues

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