The highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Arsenal was one-sided, as City easily beat their opponents 4-1, bringing them a giant step closer to becoming English champions for the fifth time in six years. Despite showing impressive form, City are still trailing Arsenal by two points in the league standings. They have not yet claimed the top spot yet.
Pep Guardiola’s team looks to be taking the lead in the title race, having the opportunity to extend their advantage with two games still to play. It appears that their momentum has shifted the title race significantly in their favour.
Arsenal have performed excellently throughout the season, only suffering four defeats in total. However, their two losses have been when faced with Manchester City – seemingly the biggest challenge they face.
When the teams last faced each other, it was an intense battle that ended with a home defeat by a mere 3-1 score. However, this time, the match tipped entirely in favour of one team providing an emphatic victory.
Arsenal’s defence was weak without William Saliba and could not handle Erling Haaland. Despite this, it took until the final attack of the match for the Norwegian to net his 49th goal of the campaign. Haaland showcased his creative side by providing Kevin De Bruyne with two assistances during the start of each half, which consequently resulted in two successful shots on goal.
Arsenal’s defensive frailties from set pieces were made apparent when John Stones rose highest to nod home the De Bruyne free kick close to half-time.
Guardiola paid huge credit to his ex-assistant Arteta before the match, thanking him for transforming Arsenal and returning them to title-contending status after almost two decades. Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta has yet to gain a victory against his former mentor, Pep Guardiola, as the Gunners have now been defeated by Man City in their last 12 league matches.
