With all eyes falling on the Etihad on Friday night, Manchester City extended on their FA Cup adventure thanks to a gritty 1-0 victory against title rivals Arsenal.While both of the Premier League giants might have made a string of changes here, it was eventually Nathan Akes smart second-half finish that dragged Pep Guardiolas side over the finish line.Although the Sky Blues might still find Arsenal holding a five-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, the former Barcelona bo s will be boosted by an eye-catching victory on home soil.Now tipped as a standout pick to lift a first FA Cup trophy since 2019, City also Todd Frazier Jersey handed a high-flying Arsenal just a fourth defeat from acro s all competitions so far this season.In a showdown between the two leading contenders in this seasons Premier League title scrap, we have taken a look at the main talking points following Fridays battle in Manchester.Citys psychological statementSuffering Jay Bruce Jersey a nightmare blip earlier in the month following their shock collapse at Old Trafford on January 14th, Manchester City have the feel of a side seeking some stability on either side of the World Cup break.However, mounting that stellar second-half comeback against Tottenham last week as they claimed a vital 4-2 victory at the Etihad, it appears that Guardiolas side have found top gear at a vital time.Heading into Fridays FA Cup showdown after cruising their way to a 3-0 romp against relegation scrappers Wolves, City are now enjoying a three-match domestic winning run.With Guardiola quick to praise his sides rugged display here, the Sky Blues will also believe that they can overturn Arsenals five-point advantage during the second-half of the season.With Guardiola getting one over on his former protg this weekend, City will also know that the FA Cup is a golden chance to get their hands on another piece of silverware.Although Fridays victory might not have any direct impact on this years Mike Piazza Jersey title chase, they have made a potentially crucial psychological blow.A mi sed opportunity for the GunnersClaiming that remarkable last-gasp winner as they secured a 3-2 victory against Manchester United on home soil, Arsenal would have been smelling the chance to make another heavyweight marker here.However, after mi sing a handful of first-half chances and eventually suffering just their third domestic defeat of the season, Artetas side will feel like Fridays battle was an opportunity mi sed.Neverthele s, making a string of changes at the Etihad and only continuing to gain a string of plaudits from acro s Europe, Arsenal should still find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high.Coming past both Manchester United and north London rivals Tottenham over the past fortnight, the Gunners have their sights set on making real Premier League history this season.Still holding a commanding five-point buffer over Fridays hosts and with their Europa League knockout stage adventure fast approaching, Arsenal will be looking to prove that their FA Cup exit was nothing more than a minor blip on their otherwise exceptional record.Guardiolas men extend on their rampant recordWhile it might be Manchester City who are facing Lenny Dykstra Jersey an uphill struggle if theyre to defend their Premier League crown in 2023, the Sky Blues will be boosted by a rampant record against their title rivals.Putting in a rugged display here as they extended on their FA Cup adventure, Guardiolas side have now won each of their previous six straight domestic showdowns against Arsenal.Likewise, leaving the Gunners heartbroken when they made the trip to north London 12 months ago as City claimed last-gasp 2-1 victory, City have also won 12 of their last 13 straight meetings a run that stems all the way back to April 2017.Hoping to use Fridays performance as a platform to build on, City will be desperate for a repeat display when they travel to the Emirates in a fortnights time.In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the English capital on February 15th, Guardiolas superstars have the chance to lay down what could be a crucial blow.Match ReportManchester City: Ortega, Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Nolan Ryan Jersey Ake, Rodri, Gundogan, Mahrez, De Bruyne, Grealish, HaalandSubs: Alvarez, Laporte, Silva, WalkerArsenal: Turner, Tomyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Vieira, Saka, Nketiah, Tro sardSubs: Zinchenko, Saliba, Odegaard, Martinelli, LokongaGoals: Ake (64)Yellow Cards: Manchester City: Gundogan Arsenal: Holding, ZinchenkoRed Cards: N/AReferee: Paul Tierney