The two sides will also be battling it out for the first trophy of the season in less than a month's time when they meet at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on 22 March.
That is a match Morrison believes could have a decisive say in the Premier League title race.
"Arsenal are making defensive mistakes. You saw it against Wolves with Gabriel and [David] Raya. Raya didn't need to come for it. Gabriel is going to deal with it and then they scored the equaliser. [On Sunday], I think against a better team, they will get punished," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"Tottenham are not a good team at the moment with all the injuries they've got. They aren't good enough to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal. So that was always going to be a struggle, but against the better teams they'll get punished with the mistakes they're making.
"I still think this is going to go down to the wire. I think this will be decided at the Carabao Cup final. Whoever wins that will go on and win the Premier League, because if they don't get over the line, Arsenal, in that game, then City play them two games later, and if City take the lead they will be celebrating again.
"If Manchester City take the lead, they're not getting caught, that's my opinion."
O'Reilly 'will be starter for England at World Cup'published at 11:07 GMT 23 February
11:07 GMT 23 February
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly is just getting "better and better", says former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison.
The versatile defender and midfielder played in a more fluid role behind City's attackers against Newcastle on Saturday and scored two goals in the 2-1 win.
With the World Cup fast approaching in the summer, O'Reilly, 20, will be looking to prove himself in the final weeks of the season and earn a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
"He probably wants to play in that midfield role, but will he play that for England? I'm not sure," Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"I think his position for England will probably be at left-back which, you ask any youngster representing their country and going to a World Cup, you play anywhere. But he's been outstanding. His finishes [against Newcastle] were brilliant, and he just improves.
"He gets better and better, and that helps when you're playing with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, these type of players that will help you at a young age. He's so mature, even his interviews after, but I think he's a fantastic talent.
"He was a midfielder anyway when he came through the academy. He was a number 10, so him scoring goals, it's probably no different to what he's been doing in the academy or in the youth team. But Pep has thrown him in at left-back before when they had injuries and he was outstanding.
"I think he's a brilliant player and he will be a starter for England at the World Cup, the way he's playing at the moment."
Youssef: Happy we clinched a deserved and needed win against a strong Newcastle side wanting revenge after the Carabao Cup thrashing. Thought we were superb in every aspect to some extent. Once again, Gianluigi Donnarumma showed why he's the best keeper in the world. Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly were also brilliant; Haaland's defensive work was great and O'Reilly's ability to find these pockets of space to go into is fantastic.
David: Far from convincing after a very good first half. Their second-half performance, for the umpteenth time this season, was awful, allowing the opposition to pressurise and put City on the back foot, passes going astray and, yet again, no service to Haaland, who ran himself into the ground once more.
Harry: We once again dropped off dramatically in the second half. There were a couple missed passes on both sides which could have led to goals. We held on though, and I've not been this pumped in a while. The camaraderie I saw on that pitch was incredible, I have never been more proud of my team. Anyone who calls Haaland a one-trick pony needs jailing. Not a single bad player on our side, Abdukodir Khusanov had me cheering so often too. Title or not, I'm seeing my team's mentality again and I'm ecstatic. Credit to Newcastle - massive fan support just like in Baku. The reason I'm so happy is because we held off against fantastic opposition. They've improved exceptionally.
Michael: We won because pace was introduced after half-time with Khusanov replacing Ruben Dias. He was magnificent and mopped everything up at the back and even started some attacks. We have a gem on our hands.
Newcastle fans
Richard: Well, that was a lot better than previous efforts at City. More shocking officiating didn't help. City don't need the ref helping them out and they were also very motivated by the chinking of the Gunners bottles. But we gave them a game. Eddie Howe actually called it beforehand . He said you just can't make any mistakes against City as they'll punish you, and that's exactly what happened. But we made a fist of it and I can't be too down about it.
Phillip: It was a great effort by the team considering that several first teamers are missing. Jacob Ramsey is coming on in leaps and bounds. Now need Eddie to work his magic on Yoane Wissa.
Jim: Great display. Toe to toe with the best team in the league. We didn't hold back against a team when most would sit back and defend. We went at them all through the game. No problem with the result - on another day we would have won.
Leslie: Yet another poor second goal. Kieran Trippier yet again at fault - ball watching and waiting for it to come to him instead of attacking it. Not watching for the runner. Not sure how Howe felt we were in the game. The chances City had it could have been 5-1.
Gossip: Man City at risk of losing Rodri published at 06:51 GMT 23 February
06:51 GMT 23 February
Manchester City will face a fight to keep hold of Rodri this summer, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona keen on the midfielder. (Bild - in German), external
O'Reilly's 'outstanding display of versatility'published at 11:47 GMT 22 February
11:47 GMT 22 February
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
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Nico O'Reilly was a stellar contributor, with those two goals and an outstanding display of versatility playing behind City's attackers that will make intriguing viewing for England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
He is viewed as a left-back, but this showed he has other strings to his bow, while Newcastle United's Lewis Hall also got on the scoresheet and showed enough to suggest he is another viable defensive World Cup option for Tuchel.
City may not have the machine-like fluency and relentless winning style of the Guardiola teams that won four straight Premier League titles, but those memories can still kick in for plenty who will play their part in coming weeks.
One of the newer faces is giant Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, a Champions League winner with Paris St-Germain last season, who is now chasing new honours and horizons with Manchester City.
In some respects he is a flawed keeper, especially under crosses, but has that uncanny, priceless habit of making stunning match-winning saves that makes up for other failings.
He did it with an astonishing stoppage time save from Alexis Mac Allister in a City win at Liverpool that may yet be regarded as the pivotal moment in their season, and he did it again here.
As the final seconds ticked on with Newcastle pressing for a point, Donnarumma employed that giant wingspan to stretch away low to his right to turn away Harvey Barnes' goal-bound shot.
Seconds later, the final whistle went and Etihad Stadium was awash with celebration.
Time will tell just how important those saves - those wins - will be, but City are now in a position from which they have flourished before.
Win all their games. Win the Premier League.
Now the scenery shifts to north London - along with the pressure - as Arsenal face that dangerous trip to Spurs.
Man City 2-1 Newcastle: What Guardiola and O'Reilly saidpublished at 22:35 GMT 21 February
22:35 GMT 21 February
Media caption,
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaking to TNT Sports: "Massive [result], Newcastle is an incredible team, awesome in physicality and speed they have up front. Physicality in the middle. Really tough but the team was unbelievable.
"70% of the players have never been in that situation [close title race], and I don't play. So we have to live it, they know that every game will be like this. Especially at home, with five home games left. Today was the best crowd of the year, it was unbelievable with our people, really proud to be manager of these incredible people and fans. Now we rest three days, we need it, and then we play Leeds."
On Newcastle: "In Champions League [on Wednesday] it was 5-0 at half-time, the physicality and pace they have since Saudi Arabia took over the club, the way they play is so difficult. So I am pleased with the way we played today."
On the performance of Nico O'Reilly: "Nico give us in the middle that physicality that we need. He now plays in his position. He has always played that, he is so complete and so young. I am really pleased the academy produced these incredible players, Nico, Phil [Foden], Rico [Lewis]."
Manchester City goalscorer Nico O'Reilly, speaking to TNT Sports: "I'm over the moon with tonight. The win was the most important thing to close the gap and apply as much pressure as possible. Also, very happy with the two goals."
On putting the pressure on Arsenal and contributing in a title race: "It's a dream of mine to win something like this. There's still a lot of games to go. We need to take each game as it comes. I'm enjoying every moment and taking it all in."
On whether they believe they can do it: "Definitely. We always believe we can win games. We had a week break, so we were able to prepare for this game very well. We just need to keep going."
Did you know?
Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly scored his first Premier League brace, on his 35th appearance in the competition, netting in consecutive home league games for the first time.
Analysis: Nervous but job donepublished at 22:21 GMT 21 February
22:21 GMT 21 February
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City's celebrations at the final whistle were tinged with relief as well as elation after a stressful night at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola has rebuilt much of his all-conquering City side that won a historic four consecutive Premier League titles, so questions remain about whether they can put together the sort of unstoppable run that became the trademark of their predecessors.
On this evidence, it may not be so straightforward, but the bottom line is that City have a winning momentum that is ominous for Arsenal as they start to show signs of nerves.
The atmosphere inside the Etihad was nailbiting in the closing stages as City failed to take the chances they created, while Newcastle posed a serious threat until the end.
And there were two huge contributions from City's players that will have delighted Guardiola, who fist-pumped to all sides of the stadium as he went on a lap of appreciation at the end.
Nico O'Reilly showed his superb versatility playing in a roving role behind City's attackers, scoring two goals and popping up to have an impact all over the pitch.
He may be in England head coach Thomas Tuchel's thoughts as a left-back for this summer's World Cup, but this outstanding display showed he has other strings to his bow.
And once more keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma popped up with a match-winning save in stoppage time, as he did from Alex Mac Allister in the vital win at Liverpool.
The Italian may occasionally look uncertain under the high ball, but his incredible wingspan allowed him to stretch low to his right to turn away Harvey Barnes' goalbound shot with just seconds left.
It sealed victory and keeps City right on track behind Arsenal.
Man City v Newcastle: Team newspublished at 19:10 GMT 21 February
19:10 GMT 21 February
Image source, BBC Sport
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola makes nine changes from the team that beat Salford City 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, with his rested stars restored.
Only Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush remain from that side, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Antoine Semenyo among those back in the starting line-up.
Arsenal's slip at Wolves in midweek has opened the door for Manchester City in the Premier League and that line-up reflects it.
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Dias, Haaland, Guehi, Rodri, Silva, Ait-Nouri, Nunes, O'Reilly, Semenyo, Marmoush
Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Cherki, Gonzalez, Savinho, Khusanov, Foden, Lewis
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe makes just one change from the team that effective assured qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a comprehensive 6-1 win away to Qarabag in the play-off first leg.
Jacob Ramsey, a second half substitute in Azerbaijan, comes in for Harvey Barnes.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to Aston Villa v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Bournemouth", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Man City v Newcastlepublished at 13:07 GMT 21 February
13:07 GMT 21 February
This is the fourth meeting between these two clubs already this season, with another to come soon in the FA Cup fifth round - I bet they are sick of each other already.
Newcastle have a long trip back from Azerbaijan to contend with before this game but at least they have put their Champions League tie with Qarabag to bed already and can focus fully on City rather than next week's second leg.
The Magpies still have an awful record at Etihad, however - they lost here in the Carabao Cup in January and have never managed a win in 20 visits in the Premier League.
I don't think this will be easy for City, but I do think they will beat them, again, to move within two points of Arsenal.
The only thing I am not sure about is whether to captain Erling Haaland in my Fantasy team, because he has been out injured.
Manchester City v Newcastle United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:36 GMT 20 February
19:36 GMT 20 February
Having been drawn to face each other in the FA Cup fifth round, Manchester City host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday (20:00 GMT) hoping to narrow the five-point gap between themselves and league leaders Arsenal.
The clubs have already played each other in a two-legged League Cup semi-final and could potentially meet again in the last four of the Champions League, leading to some cries of fatigue from their supporters.
Pep Guardiola's focus, however, will be solely on avenging a 2-1 reverse at St James' Park in November and using this game in hand to shrink the Gunners' lead to two points.
Citizens cane Magpies
City boast a frankly ridiculous home record against the Magpies. They are unbeaten in 21 and have won each of their past 16 meetings in Eastlands, the second longest home winning streak against an opponent in English top-flight history, after Everton's 22 consecutive wins over Fulham from 1961 to 2018.
The last six of those home wins over Newcastle have come without conceding a goal. Injuries have left City weak in central defence at times this season, but in attack they continue to possess an embarrassment of riches.
Amid increased competition for his place in the starting XI, homegrown hero Phil Foden is approaching a significant milestone. His next Premier League goal involvement will be his 100th for the club, an achievement unlocked by just five City players to date.
Toon's top-half travel troubles
Newcastle come into the game off the back of three straight wins in all competitions, but their league form has been far from good, with last week's 2-1 success at Tottenham Hotspur their first win in five attempts.
That result moved Eddie Howe's side 10th in the table but the Magpies' away record against teams starting the day in the top half is not an encouraging one for the travelling Toon Army; they're winless in 10 against such opposition, losing seven of those. Against teams in the top two, that record stretches to no wins in 37.
Harvey Barnes' impressive performances this season sparked rumours of a potential switch of international allegiance ahead of this summer's World Cup, although Scotland head coach Steve Clarke recently confirmed that the winger is concentrating on adding to his one England cap.
Having bagged a brace earlier in the season, Barnes is aiming to become the first Newcastle player to score home and away against City in the same league season since Alan Shearer in 2004-05.
Barnes and co will be aiming to fire Newcastle to their first top-flight league double over Manchester City since 1955-56. However, the omens are not good; they've played 20 Premier League games at the Etihad without a victory (drawn two, lost 18), the most any team has played at a stadium without winning in the competition's history.
Guardiola on Haaland's fitness, the title race and Newcastlepublished at 13:10 GMT 20 February
13:10 GMT 20 February
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Etihad Stadium (20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Guardiola nodded when asked if Erling Haaland is "fully fit" for the visit of the Magpies and confirmed Savinho is "ready" while Jeremy Doku is "not ready" for the game.
On the Premier League title race: "I didn't speak one second about that with my players. Yesterday and the day before, it's just Newcastle, Newcastle and Newcastle. I didn't talk about the table, I didn't talk about our position. I could not care less! It's 12 games [remaining]. It's 12 games, it's an eternity. Many things are going to happen. That's the only truth I have."
On the gap to Arsenal: "They were nine points when we had a game in hand, so whenever everybody is on the same fixtures and games being played then after we will see the difference. Many things going to happen. I said weeks ago. Many thing are going to happen until the end of the season."
Do his players have extra experience over Mikel Arteta's side in the title race?: "Seventy per cent of the players are new, so they don't have the experience to live these kinds of situations. An experience is to win tomorrow. It is only one."
Guardiola was asked about the incident of alleged racist abuse targeted at Vinicius Junior: "Not for where you are born or your colour of skin makes you better or worse. There's a lot of work to do; it's in society, it's not just in football. Racism is everywhere and if you pretend racism is just for the colour of skin, it's how you behave - that's racism. It's how you pretend you are better than others just for many reasons."
He was asked about legendary former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson, who he played under for a season at Barcelona: "What a man! I was fortunate and lucky to have him in Barcelona one season. Truly a gentleman - it was a huge honour. His impact in football, not just in the team he's trained, really good."
Guardiola responded to Wayne Rooney's comments saying he hopes the Spaniard stays beyond this season: "A huge honour! When compliments come from football players or players involved in the game, and Wayne - what a player! I think in world football, in this country, there are thousands, millions of huge personalities that make the sport better and Wayne has been one of them."
Is this Guardiola's final season?published at 07:59 GMT 20 February
07:59 GMT 20 February
Manchester City's current state and Pep Guardiola's future formed the focus in this week's episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
Former Manchester United striker Rooney said: "I think he will be there next year. I think whatever happens, whether they win the league, I think he's brought a lot of players in over the last year so I think he'll want to try and bring them on. If they don't win the league I think his ego will say to him 'I can't finish with not winning the league or anything', depending on the Champions League.
"Some players will want him to leave, it depends on if you're in the team or not. That's the same with any manager. I hope he stays. I think for the Premier League he's brilliant. You want the best managers in the Premier League and he's set a benchmark."
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown offered his take: "I feel if the right replacement that the club feels is going to be able to take over - I don't think anyone wants to take over from him - if the right person is here now, I think it's done and he'll leave at the end of the season. I hope he carries on and does another year but who is the next person? If that is not right I think he has an understanding with the club and might need to do another year."
Gossip: PSG make Haaland enquirypublished at 07:53 GMT 20 February
07:53 GMT 20 February
Paris St‑Germain have enquired about Norway striker Erling Haaland's long‑term situation at Manchester City, although the 25-year-old's most likely destination is Spain, if he chooses to move. (Teamtalk), external
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, whose Manchester City contract expires this summer, while Juventus and Monaco are also looking at the 31-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Arsenal and Man City fans have their say on the title racepublished at 17:03 GMT 19 February
17:03 GMT 19 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for views from fans both of both Arsenal and Manchester City on the title race after the Gunners drew at Wolves on Wednesday night.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Jordan: Last night was gutting and no excuses for dropping points from two goals up. However, this isn't the season where slip-ups and shut-outs won't happen. I feel everyone is downplaying the difficulty of the league this year. All the big sides have had rough patches when trying to break down low blocks and counters away from home. For Arsenal, nothing changes - we have the best squad, we're five points ahead. Watch to see if City go on without dropping more points than us going forward. Still backing the boys.
Sean: Firstly, they need to give the captaincy to Declan Rice, he is a born leader, central midfield model like Adams, O'Leary and Vieira. Saka isn't a captain. Doing this would free up the others to play the free-flowing football that should be happening. If the manager can't see this, then he needs to go, if we don't win the league this year he has to go, he's had enough chances. It's down to him to fix it, quickly, especially as the game on Sunday is crucial, if we lose or draw, then Arteta seriously has to look at himself and his coaches. This really isn't good enough or acceptable.
Jon: I just think we have lost all momentum. It was disappointing to draw with Wolves but watching the game there wasn't one player that had a good game. Individual mistakes are creeping into the games, which can't be afforded at this stage of the season. I think the title will be decided in the game at Man City.
Mariano: Fully behind the boys. City had to rip their first PL title from Man Utd dominance on the very last minute of the entire season. This is the path we will have to be prepared for as well.
Ali: We are all now collectively "bricking it", as the ghosts of seasons past come to haunt our dreams of a long-awaited Premier League title. The bottle job "banter" from friends is becoming almost unbearable and while we should be strutting into this weekend's fixture against our biggest foe hoping to kick them one step closer to relegation, we find ourselves feeling nervous, nay petrified, that they will further derail our hopes of finishing top.
Richard: Arsenal win a game? "Best squad, best defence, they're obviously winning the league." Draw or lose? "Bottle jobs, it's City's title." Realistically, anything can happen, there'll be more points dropped by both teams and until it's mathematically decided, nobody knows how it'll play out.
Image source, Getty Images
City fans
Harry: The position we are in is all too familiar, but our team and style is not. We're somewhere between possession-ball and all-out attack at the moment. We are missing our leaders of seasons past and I am yet to be 100% certain they're being replaced. Silva, Dias, Stones, Rodri and even Haaland are going to be pivotal. Belief is what we need and even if we play perfect, Arsenal have to lose at the Etihad. I believe in the lads, Semenyo and Guehi have slotted in seamlessly and Pep is still the man to guide them. I'm cautious, but optimistic. With the quality we are still to face, it may be in our favour, but it's not in our hands yet.
Anthony: There's still a long way to go, I won't feel comfortable until City are actually ahead on points. You can't write any team off but at this point it feels like the City v Arsenal game is going to go a long way to deciding if the Premier League trophy has a holiday in London or is coming back to the home of the trophy - Manchester.
Stephen: City are most likely to finish second, I know, but, while there is a chance of taking top spot, Pep's prodigious charges will never give up the fight. We ain't doing bad for a team in the middle of a major rebuild.
David: A definite sense of the momentum shifting as the usual Arsenal stutter commences. It's a long way to go and we will still drop points but the next three games look winnable and there will be huge pressure on them to beat Spurs now.
George: City have been offered a real chance here, but I won't get excited unless we beat Arsenal at the Etihad. I think Arsenal have the stronger squad on balance. We still have injuries to contend with and key players not in their best form. What we needed to do is be there if they slip up and we need to punish them for it!
John: I am a City fan but won't say anything until after the Newcastle game on Saturday. So far we haven't been consistent enough to close the gap despite Arsenal regularly dropping points since Xmas. The Geordies won easily 6-1 this week and not too many teams lose the next match after a performance like that, but we have to take this opportunity to have a chance.
Image caption,
* A rearranged date is still to be confirmed for Man City v Crystal Palace
Man City still second favourites but gap shrinking - have your say published at 12:48 GMT 19 February
12:48 GMT 19 February
Image source, Getty Images
So, Wednesday's draw at rock-bottom Wolves and suddenly the same questions over Arsenal's mentality and "bottle" are being asked again.
The Gunners have won just two of their past seven Premier League games and have seen their lead reduced to five points, with Manchester City having a game in hand and the prospect of a meeting between the two sides as Etihad Stadium in April after they face each other in March's Carabao Cup final.
While there is still a lead, Arsenal's tally of 58 points is the fewest any Premier League leaders have had after 27 games since Leicester City in 2015–16 (56).
So how is City's title bid shaping up?
Well, Pep Guardiola's side have themselves won just three of their past eight league games, but those have come in their past four games. Two wins from two while Arsenal have drawn twice means gaining significant ground on the Gunners.
Despite recent inconsistency, Mikel Arteta's side remain heavy favourites with Opta's Supercomputer.
Only 12 days ago, Arsenal's chance of winning the league was at 93.38% after they beat Sunderland 3-0 and moved a commanding nine points clear of City before their game against Liverpool the next day.
After back-to-back wins for City and consecutive draws for Arsenal, the likelihood that the Gunners do get over the line has dropped to 79.69% - still comfortably dwarfing City's 17.26%.
So, with 11 games to play, and in the familiar position of breathing down the leaders' neck, we want to know how you feel with the current state of play.
Confident? Nervous? And how does your team make sure they get over the line?
Image source, Getty Images
