Arsenal kept their Premier League title challenge alive with a resounding 5-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, cutting Liverpool’s lead to six points.
Mikel Arteta’s side had no margin for error in the title race after leaders Liverpool secured a 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday to move nine points clear. But the Gunners rose to the occasion with a blistering performance, inspired by Martin Ødegaard’s opener after just 103 seconds.
Erling Haaland equalized early in the second half with his 25th goal of the season, but City’s defensive frailties proved costly once again. A misplaced pass from Phil Foden gifted Thomas Partey the opportunity to restore Arsenal’s lead, and the hosts never looked back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly netted his first Arsenal goal, while late strikes from Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri sealed a statement victory for the Gunners, who extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches.
Liverpool’s game in hand keeps them in control of the title race, but Arsenal’s dominant display reinforced their determination to push the Reds to the wire.
Meanwhile, City’s hopes of a fifth consecutive league title have long faded, and Pep Guardiola’s side is now battling for a top-four finish. Their six-game unbeaten run in the league came to an emphatic end, and their struggles in defense and midfield remain glaring concerns.
Guardiola had recalled John Stones to the starting lineup in place of Abdukodir Khusanov, who endured a nightmare debut against Chelsea. However, Stones was at fault for Arsenal’s opener, playing a risky pass to the marked Manuel Akanji. Leandro Trossard pounced on the mistake, setting up Havertz to tee up Ødegaard for a clinical finish from 10 yards out.
With City’s Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance and a daunting tie against Real Madrid looming, Guardiola faces a race against time to address his side’s defensive lapses and lack of energy in midfield.
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