Arsenal mock rivals Man City and spark Premier League title race into life with statement result - reaction
Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City: The Gunners ran riot against the champions to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top
Arsenal sparked their Premier League title challenge back into life by trashing rivals Manchester City in a heated 5-1 win that saw the Gunners earn revenge against the champions.
Tensions between the teams were high after September’s 2-2 draw between the teams but Arsenal earned a statement victory against Pep Guardiola's side, who had pipped them to the title in the last two seasons.
Goals from teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri ensured a triumphant victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, after Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal in front inside two minutes.
Erling Haaland equalised in the second half but Arsenal restored their advantage within 38 seconds off the restart as Thomas Partey’s strike deflected in off John Stones.
Lewis-Skelly added the third minutes later with his first Arsenal goal, before appearing to mock Haaland by copying his trademark “Zen” celebration.
Kai Havertz made it four, making up for his earlier miss, before Nwaneri came off the bench to complete the demolition of the champions and cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table.
Follow all the updates from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
35 mins
A brief reprieve for Arsenal as Havertz wins a free-kick in his own half.
The hosts look happy to let Nunes have the ball on the right wing at the moment when City do attack.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
33 mins
Another good delivery from the corner from Marmoush, but Raya manages to collect after a header is deflected.
Arsenal try and mount a counter but City win it back quickly – they’ve made a marked improvement but they’re still not threatening enough from open play.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
30 mins
Trossard skips away from Nunes with a lovely little nutmeg but he can’t capitalise on the space in front of him.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
26 mins
CLOSE! How has Havertz not made it 2-0! So poor from the German really.
It’s a mistake from City again as Ortega sells short Kovacic with the pass. Rice goes sliding in on the edge of the box to dispossess him, and the ball rolls to Havertz.
The German has the ball in the box, around a yard from the penalty spot and he stands up Ortega before dragging his effort wide of the far post!
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
A strange opening quarter, where Arsenal have been deserved leaders but also kind of let it drift a bit. Manchester City have again been so lacking in intensity, especially at the back, which has been a feature of all recent games. Arsenal initially did exactly what they should have in attacking that, and forcing an error from a lax Manuel Akanji after John Stones' telegraphed pass.
These were two of the best defenders in the world in this system but a year ago, and now look so lacking in bite. Martin Odegaard was left so free to just pick his spot from Kai Havertz's assist. Arsenal are almost making the same mistake as Chelsea last week, however, in not really pressing home.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
25 mins
Another half-chance for City straight away as Marmoush finds the side-netting from inside the box.
City have grown into the game now, with Savinho doing well to win foul from Timber near halfway.
The Dutchman is the first player to be booked.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
23 mins
CLOSE! Brilliant from both sides.
Marmoush swings in a lovely set-piece and Gvardiol rouses highest, powering a header goalwards that forces a brilliant reaction save from Raya, who tips it onto his own bar.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
23 mins
Better from City and good defending from Timber as he backtracks to head Nunes’ cross behind for a corner.
Arsenal 1-0 Man City
21 mins
Arsenal waste a promising counter as Odegaard puts too much on a pass to Martinelli.
City go on the attack but it’s all too pedestrian and side-to-side, before Foden’s cross is headed away.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments