Manchester City made light work of Arsenal, beating them 4-1 in a top-of-the-table clash to pile more pressure on a Gunners team that has soared for large parts of the season.
As the ever-reliable Kevin De Bruyne raced City to an early lead against Arsenal on Wednesday night, I was reminded of a joking profession by a football fan who stated, prior to the clash, that if City did not score up to four goals against the Gunners, then the referee must have been bribed.
It was a terrific start to the encounter at the Etihad Stadium. Lanky Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland controlled a long pass before setting up De Bruyne whose pace and body placement helped him release a great shot from just outside the box for the first goal.
It was the Belgian playmaker’s seventh goal against Arsenal.
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Moments later, Haaland made a mess of the Arsenal defence and almost got City’s second but for Aaron Ramsdale’s strong right arm that denied the striker before the ball was cleared from the area.
Arsenal had drawn their previous three matches, greatly reducing the deficit between them and Pep Guardiola’s men. In fact, Arsenal have only won one out of their past five matches.
John Stones extended the lead just before the break from a De Bruyne assist. In the second half, De Bruyne scored again, meaning he contributed directly to all the first three goals.
City dominant yet again
City dominated, having more possession and more attempts on goal. However, Arsenal got a goal of theirs late in the game.
Rob Holding converted substitute Leandro Trossard’s assist into the net. But there was still time for a record breaking moment.
Haaland scored the fourth to break the goals record for a 38-game Premier League season. The former Salzburg and Dortmund striker scored his 33rd goal of the league season to complete the massacre.
The previous record of 32 goals was held by Mohamed Salah.
Manchester City’s win extends their dominance against the Emirates Stadium outfit. City have now won 12 successive Premier League games against Arsenal, winning by an aggregate score of 33-5.
Slim hope for Arsenal now
Arsenal fans all over the world held a firm belief of eventually landing the title for the first time since the 2003/2004 season. Their expectation during the long spell in which the club pitched at the climax of the league table this season is beginning to fade away.
The ray of hope still exists though but every Arsenal lover is now getting increasingly worried about the a City side already capitalizing on the north Londoners recent slip.
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It will be more difficult for Mikel Arteta’s side to truly claim the title now. Although two points clear of the Cityzens, City have two outstanding matches to prosecute.
If the Manchester team win both, that means they automatically usurp Arsenal at the top of the table.
Praises and encomiums have been showered on the entire Arsenal team including the manager, and rightly so.
Great season for Arsenal already
Whether they win the title or not, it is undeniable that the Gunners have won many hearts with their beautiful, attacking football. It is a young set-up but everyone has stepped up all season when called upon.
There is great improvement in the Arsenal style of play and general team ability when compared to previous seasons and that’s highly commendable.
Players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have been particularly pinpointed for the team’s spirited displays this season.
The trio have been a major reason Arsenal are where they are – the top. With goals and assists galore, they are some of the best players in the Premier League, and Europe, this season.
Thomas Partey has been a rock-solid, incisive player who keeps controlling things from the middle of the park. The understanding between Gabriel and William Saliba at the back is telepathic. The likes of Ben White, Takehiru Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been impressive as well.
Gabriel Jesus was on fire before his long term injury but Eddie Nketiah deputised adequately when the Brazilian forward was away. Vintage performances by Reiss Nelson who’s largely come off the bench makes the Arsenal story even more interesting.
Arsenal players getting tired?
However, some of these players are visibly fatigued. Club captain Ødegaard and Saka are looking like they cannot replicate their earlier performances any longer.
The theory still holds, in many quarters, that one of the most productive right wingers in Europe, Saka ghosts away in big matches. He’s been criticised for being ineffective when his team needs him the most.
ALSO READ: Saka shines as Arsenal move eight points clear of Man City
Ødegaard has led by example and is one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League this season but he needs rest too.
For the remainder of the season, it is left to be seen how Arteta will inspire his charges to restore the hope and belief triggered for large parts of the season.
Meanwhile, if both City and Arsenal win their remaining matches, City would claim the league title. Arsenal needs to win their matches and hope for some slip from City in order to conquer England again.
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