Bernice Larryoboh
Champions Manchester City produced a stunning performance to seize complete control of the Premier League title race with a devastating 4-1 win over leaders, Arsenal.
City delivered a potentially decisive blow to the Gunners’ hopes of lifting the crown as Kevin De Bruyne struck twice with John Stones and Erling Haaland also on the scoresheet at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal though claimed a late reply through Rob Holding but treble-chasing City had long since asserted their dominance and Haaland wrapped up the contest with his 49th goal of the season in stoppage time.
The result lifted Pep Guardiola’s men to within two points of the Londoners at the top of the table and, with two games in hand, they are now strong favourites to land their fifth title in six years.
Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta simply had no answer to the pace, strength and determination of the hosts, who were at their ruthless best and powered to their 12th win in their last 13 games in all competitions.
The stakes were high and, with Guardiola even more animated than usual and raging at minor indiscretions by his players or decisions he did not agree with, it was clear he felt it.
The Gunners’ season now appears to be unravelling as it had already been a harrowing month with their once healthy advantage eroded by three successive draws and City showed no mercy as they sensed their chance.
