Arsenal produced a scintillating display to crush reigning Premier League champions Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The comprehensive victory not only reinforced Arsenal’s title credentials but also cut their deficit to league leaders Liverpool to six points, with the Reds holding a game in hand. This emphatic result showcased the Gunners’ blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners got off to a flying start within two minutes, capitalizing on an uncharacteristic error by Manuel Akanji. Kai Havertz seized the opportunity, unselfishly setting up Martin Odegaard, who calmly found the back of the net.
Arsenal dominated early proceedings, and Havertz had the chance to extend the lead but squandered a glorious opportunity, highlighting the Gunners’ occasional lack of a clinical finisher.
Manchester City, far from their imperious best this season, fought back briefly in the second half. Erling Haaland, the league’s top scorer, rose to the occasion with a trademark header, notching his 250th career club goal to level the score.
However, Arsenal responded almost immediately, regaining their lead just 105 seconds later when Thomas Partey’s powerful shot took a deflection off John Stones and found the net.
The game turned decisively in Arsenal’s favor thanks to 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was cleared to play after his controversial red card from last week’s win over Wolves was overturned.
The teenager repaid that faith spectacularly, curling in a stunning third goal to notch his first-ever senior goal for the club.
His celebration, mimicking Haaland’s trademark meditation pose, sent a cheeky message to the Norwegian star after their heated exchanges earlier this season.
As City struggled to cope with Arsenal’s relentless pressing and rapid transitions, Kai Havertz redeemed himself by slotting home Arsenal’s fourth goal with a composed finish into the far corner.
The Emirates crowd erupted again in stoppage time when 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, another rising star from Arsenal’s academy, capped off the rout with a beautiful curling effort, further cementing the club’s faith in its youth.
The defeat leaves Manchester City in fourth place, a staggering 15 points adrift of Liverpool, effectively signaling the end of their dominance after four consecutive league titles. Pep Guardiola’s side looked a shadow of their former selves, with defensive frailties and a lack of midfield control proving costly.
For Arsenal, this performance was a statement of intent. Arteta’s men displayed resilience, composure, and clinical finishing, blending experience with emerging talents.
The Gunners now have their sights set firmly on Liverpool, as they look to end their long wait for a Premier League title. The road ahead remains challenging, but this victory has undoubtedly sent a strong message to their rivals.
