Arsenal delivered a statement of intent in the Premier League title race with a resounding 5-1 victory over reigning champions Manchester City, closing the gap at the top to six points on Sunday.
Captain Martin Odegaard ignited Arsenal's momentum with a goal in the second minute, setting the tone for the match. The Gunners showcased their depth as young talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri found the net, highlighting Arsenal's robust squad.
Despite Erling Haaland's 55th-minute equalizer—marking his 250th senior career goal—Manchester City's hopes of securing a fifth consecutive title were effectively dashed.
Arsenal now boasts an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak in the league, amassing 50 points from 24 matches, trailing leaders Liverpool by just six points. Manchester City sits in fourth with 41 points, signaling a significant drop in their title prospects.
Critics have accused Arsenal of relying heavily on set-piece goals this season, but Sunday's performance saw the team play with fluency and flair, securing their biggest home win of the league campaign.
\"It was a top game, a top performance and with the fans and the atmosphere it can't be better, so very happy,\" Odegaard said. \"In the end, I think we got what we deserved.\"
Manchester City, previously on a six-game unbeaten run that suggested a return to form, struggled throughout the match. Aside from a spirited effort before halftime, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had to make crucial saves to keep City at bay.
\"It is difficult. I think all of us don't take losing well,\" City defender John Stones remarked. \"It is hard to put into words straight after a game like that. How we played in the last 30 minutes was not acceptable.\"
City's defensive errors allowed Arsenal to take control early, with Manuel Akanji being dispossessed by Stones, paving the way for Kai Havertz to set up Odegaard for the opener. Despite a brief resurgence from City, Arsenal maintained dominance, with Gabriel Martinelli and substitutes Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri adding to the tally.
Reference(s):
Arsenal crush Manchester City to stay in Premier League title hunt
cgtn.com
