Arsenal saw their advantage in the Premier League title race slip out of their hands as they were beaten 4-1 by a dominant Manchester City on Wednesday evening. Pep Guardiola's team continued their recent trend of controlling games as the Gunners were offered no room breathe at Etihad Stadium with Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne in exceptional form.
Despite the Belgian ace often being the provider for Haaland it was the other way round last night, with Haaland laying on two assists for de Bruyne. Sandwiching his brace was a superb header from John Stones, which was initially flagged as offside before VAR intervened and gave the goal.
Rob Holding netted a consolation goal late into the contest, but Haaland, who had at least five clear-cut opportunities in the game, would not be denied. City robbed possession off the visitors before second half substitute Phil Foden played in Haaland, who duly stroked home City's fourth.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on title race, Odegaard's verdict and Man City loss
It must still be remembered that Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table, now two points clear of City. However, the reigning champions having two games in hand over Mikel Arteta's side which firmly puts them in control of the title race. Here is how the national media reacted to City's near-perfect display.
The Guardian
When Kevin De Bruyne made it 3-0 for Manchester City early in the second half, his second goal of the evening an almost casual finish, there were four Arsenal players in the vicinity who bent forward at the waist, utterly broken, simply wanting to take on a bit of oxygen. This is what it feels like to run into a juggernaut.
City had been remorseless from the first whistle, an irresistible blend of pace, power and cohesion, intent on making it plain to the pretenders to their Premier League throne that they are in no mood to stand down.
Mikel Arteta had said beforehand that his Arsenal team needed to win to remain in contention. They had drawn their previous three matches, the last two against West Ham and Southampton prompting harsh questions about their ability to handle the pressure.
To be clear – Arsenal have not bottled it. They have defied expectations to have an excellent season. They are just not on the same level as City, particularly in this kind of mood. Nobody is, perhaps in the whole of Europe. No club has their talent or the depth of it.
Read more here (subscription required).
Daily Mail
De Bruyne is a City hero who would grace any era and his strike was just the start of a game that was billed as a shoot-out but turned into an execution by firing squad. Haaland administered the coup de grace with almost the last kick of the game. It was his 49th goal of a quite remarkable individual season. He and De Bruyne have developed an almost telepathic relationship that destroys opposition.
City were imperious. This is a high bar, but even by their standards, this was a performance of breathtaking brilliance. Arsenal, who were eight points clear at the start of the month, have had a wonderful season but they were completely outclassed by the champions here. The average age of Mikel Arteta's players is 24.4 years and last night, it looked it. It was men against boys.
Read more here
Evening Standard
Manchester City utterly dominated Arsenal to win 4-1 in Wednesday’s Premier League title showdown.
Mikel Arteta had spoken before the game of expecting a tactical surprise from Pep Guardiola, while planning his own. Alas, the Gunners’ tricks failed to appear as they were dazzled by Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne’s link-up play.
The Norwegian’s plot of dropping deep to open up space in behind for his captain to attack worked a treat, carving Arsenal open for a seventh-minute opener as De Bruyne slotted home a superb finish from outside the box.
Arsenal were without an answer at either end, failing to penetrate the hosts’ backline while looking flimsy against counter-attacks.
Read more here
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta admits agonising over Rob Holding decision but vows Arsenal will keep fighting
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City as Holding awful Ramsdale spares blushes, Nelson shows fight
What Partey did to Holding as Xhaka shouts at Ramsdale in Arsenal moments missed vs Man City
Man City vs Arsenal highlights: Haaland, De Bruyne and Stones score in 4-1 title-chasing win
Why Ruben Dias wasn't shown VAR red card during Man City vs Arsenal despite Ben White kick out
