It was the night when the fire surely went out on Arsenal's previously explosive Premier League title challenge.
Inspired by Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City were truly dominant as they routed their rivals 4-1 at the Etihad, with the Belgian playmaker setting the tone with a sublime finish 12 minutes in. John Stones headed a second before the break before de Bruyne added his second early in the second half - and Rob Holding's late consolation couldn't mask the gulf in class as Erling Haaland then got the goal he deserved in injury time.
Of course, Arsenal remain top, but that position now looks beyond precarious. Mikel Arteta's men are on 75 points after 33 games with City on 73 having only played 31. It's not quite impossible, but The Gunners are now relying on Pep Guardiola's men slipping up at least twice.
Five must win games for Arteta and Arsenal
Arsenal have 15 points left to play for. And they'll surely need everyone of them now if they're prevent City making three titles on the bounce.
Next Tuesday (May 2), Arteta and co return to the Emirates to face Chelsea. Despite the struggles of their London rivals this season, by then the squad should soon be lifted by the appointment of Mauricio Pochetinno, and it's a game with potential jeopardy.
As is their clash on Sunday, May 7 with in-form Newcastle. And there is zero chance of Eddie Howe's men being 'on the beach' as they charge towards Champions League qualification.
Following that, it's Brighton home on Sunday, May 14, then relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest away on Saturday, May 20 at 5.30pm. And if Arsenal are still in the hunt on the final day on Sunday May 28, a must win game with Wolves at the Emirates will serve as their finale. All of the final fixtures will start at 4.30pm.
City seven games from 'three in a row'
Not since Manchester United's triumph in 2008/09 has a team won three top flight titles in a row. Matching that feat is now in City's hands, despite a manic fixture schedule in May.
This Sunday, April 30, Guardiola's side go to Fulham for a 2pm kick off. Just three days later (Wednesday, May 3) West Ham will visit the Etihad for an 8pm evening clash, and a frantic few days will culminate with another home game with Leeds on Saturday, May 6, 3pm kick off.
Sandwiched between home and away games with Real Madrid will be a trip to Everton on Sunday, May 14 at 2pm. It's a game that could potentially be pivotal at both ends of the table.
And to get over the line, City will need to come through three tough tests in the final eight days of the season. Chelsea come to Manchester on Sunday, May 21, for a 4pm game - before a tricky trip to Brighton the following Wednesday, 8pm kick off. And if it does go to the wire, City have the prospect of a difficult trip to Brentford.
