Arsenal delivered a stunning 5-1 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, keeping their Premier League title hopes alive. The dominant performance at the Emirates Stadium saw the Gunners close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to six points, though Liverpool still have a game in hand.
The match started with a nightmare moment for City as Manuel Akanji lost possession in the second minute. Arsenal quickly took advantage when Kai Havertz set up Martin Ødegaard for the opening goal. Havertz later missed a golden chance to double the lead, leaving Arsenal vulnerable to a City comeback.
Manchester City found a response early in the second half when Erling Haaland headed in his 250th club goal, leveling the score. However, City’s struggles this season continued as Arsenal regained the lead just two minutes later. A powerful shot from Thomas Partey deflected off John Stones and into the net, putting the Gunners back in control.
Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was almost unavailable for the match due to a red card in Arsenal’s previous game, made the most of his chance. The 18-year-old curled in Arsenal’s third goal, marking his first for the club. He celebrated by mimicking Haaland’s signature meditation pose, a response to Haaland’s previous comments telling Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” after their heated 2-2 draw earlier in the season.
Arsenal continued their dominance as Havertz fired a low shot into the far corner, exposing City’s defense on the counter-attack. In stoppage time, another Arsenal youngster, Ethan Nwaneri, sealed the emphatic victory with a curling finish.
The defeat leaves Manchester City in fourth place, now trailing the top spot by 15 points. After winning four consecutive league titles, Pep Guardiola’s side now faces an uphill battle to retain their crown.
