Manchester City outclass Arsenal to regain top spot

Manchester City have taken control in the Premier League title race after the Citizens beat Arsenal 3-1 in the Premier League top-of-the-table clash at the Emirates on Wednesday night. 

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland made Bukayo Saka’s equaliser for Arsenal irrelevant as City regained top spot on goal difference. 

Arsenal suffered an early blow before the game after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the clash due to a muscle strain. 

Partey’s injury allowed January signing Jorginho to come in for his full debut. Meanwhile, Man City received a big boost as Erling Haaland took his place in the lineup after missing training on Tuesday. 

Arsenal went into the clash after dropping points in two consecutive matches, but the Gunners started well against the Champion. 

Arteta’s men had lost their last ten league games against Pep Guardiola’s men while they also lost the FA Cup clash between them last month. 

But that did not matter as Arsenal dominated early proceedings. But for all their dominance, it was City that took the lead through De Bruyne’s clever finish. 

The Belgium international capitalised on a poor back pass from Tomiaysu before lifting the ball past an onrushing Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal’s goal. 

However, Arsenal did not lose their spirit and could have equalised moments later through Tomiyasu whose volley could not hit the target. 

Arsenal’s pressure eventually bore fruit as they were awarded a penalty just before halftime after Ederson upended Eddie Nketiah in the box. 

Bukayo Saka slotted in the resulting spot kick to send Arsenal level into the break. 

Arsenal resumed the second half with the same intent they ended the first, with City there for the taking. 

But it was City that went close again as they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Haaland. 

However, luckily for Arsenal, the decision was rescinded following a VAR review as Haaland was adjudged to be offside. 

It did not matter, though, as City regained their lead 20 minutes from time through Grealish’s deflected effort. 

Haaland then wrapped up a superb win for the Champions with a clinical finish from De Bruyne’s cross late in the game. 

The win knocks Arsenal off the top spot, with City replacing them on goal difference. Although the Gunners have a game in hand, the title is now City to lose as they welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium later in the season. 

Next up for the champions is an away clash against Nottingham Forest while Arsenal take on Aston Villa.