Arsenal sent a clear message in the fight for the Premier League with a resounding 5-1 win over Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's team dominated the game from start to finish and exposed the defensive shortcomings of Pep Guardiola's side, who suffered a huge blow to their title aspirations.
With this result, the Gunners are still in the hunt for Liverpool, while City are moving away from the top and must now worry about staying in the Champions League qualification places.
A Nightmare Start For City
The match could not have started any worse for Manchester City. After just two minutes, Manuel Akanji lost a ball at the start, which allowed Leandro Trossard to assist Martin Ødegaard, who scored with precision to put Arsenal ahead. That early goal completely unsettled Guardiola's side, who struggled to find their best form during the first half.
Despite the disadvantage, City managed to generate danger with a header from Joško Gvardiol that forced a great save from David Raya. Savinho also had a chance with a deflected shot, but Arsenal were solid in defense and avoided any surprises before the break.
For their part, Arteta's team was not satisfied with the minimal advantage and came close to extending the score. A miscommunication between Stefan Ortega and Mateo Kovačić almost gave the Gunners another goal, but Havertz was unable to score. With a very intense match, both teams went to the break with a 1-0 score that kept expectations high for the second half.
A Demolishing Second Half
City came out with a different attitude after halftime and were quickly rewarded. In the 55th minute, Erling Haaland showed his goal-scoring instinct with an accurate header from Savinho's cross to level the score and give the visitors hope. However, the joy was short-lived, as in the next move Thomas Partey took a shot that, after deflecting off Stones, ended in goal.
That blow was the beginning of City's downfall. With morale at rock bottom and a disorganized defense, Arsenal took advantage of the confusion to put the game to bed. Myles Lewis-Skelly made a great individual play to make it 3-1, and minutes later Kai Havertz extended the lead with a cross shot that Ortega could not keep out.
City tried to react, but the damage had already been done. Arsenal, with confidence sky-high, continued to press until they found the fifth goal through Ethan Nwaneri, who sealed the win and unleashed euphoria at the Emirates Stadium.
Who will paint the Madonnina Derby with goals? 🔥🇮🇹
ACMilan are on a 9-game unbeaten streak at the San Siro, but #InterMilan are looking to string together their sixth away win of the season.
Do you enter the both score? Post now! ➡ https://t.co/HCS0draMpV pic.twitter.com/7gRaAk7pid
- Betcris (@Betcris) February 2, 2025
A major blow to Manchester City
The defeat leaves Manchester City in a complicated situation in the Premier League. With 41 points from 24 games, Guardiola's men see how the fight for the title is slipping away from them and now their priority will be to secure a place in the next Champions League. Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are dangerously close, forcing City to react as soon as possible.
On the other hand, Arsenal continues to prove that they are ready to fight for the championship. Although still six points behind Liverpool with a game in hand, this victory boosts the team's confidence and makes it clear that they will not give up until the end of the season.
With the Premier League entering its decisive stretch and the Champions League on the horizon, both Arsenal and City will have to prove their true level in the coming weeks. While the Gunners celebrate a historic win, Guardiola's side will have to rethink their strategy if they are to compete at the highest level again.
