Manchester City knocks out Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup

England's two best teams have a league showdown at Emirates Stadium on February 15

Manchester City issued a statement of intent by knocking out Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup.

Nathan Ake's 64th-minute goal settled the fourth-round match at Etihad Stadium on Friday and the result may yet reverberate through the rest of the season.

Arsenal leads City by five points at the top of the English Premier League, but its seven-game unbeaten run was ended by City, which has three straight wins in all competitions.

England's two best teams have a league showdown at Emirates Stadium on February 15. For now, City manager Pep Guardiola has gained an edge on his former assistant, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

"I know how difficult it is to beat Arsenal. They lost one game in the Premier League, so I know how difficult it is," Guardiola said.

Defender Ake was the unlikely match-winner after curling a low shot past goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Arsenal had chances while enjoying the better of the first half. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard forced saves from City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, and Eddie Nketiah fired narrowly wide from close range.