Arsenal thrashed Manchester City 5-1 at Emirates Stadium to move within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Knowing a win was essential with Liverpool having increased their lead after defeating Bournemouth, Arsenal responded in spectacular fashion, dominating the defending champions. Despite having played one more game than Liverpool, this emphatic victory ensures Arsenal remains firmly in the hunt for the title.
City gifted Arsenal an early advantage in the opening two minutes when defender Manuel Akanji lost possession. Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard swiftly converted Kai Havertz’s pass. However, Arsenal were left hoping they wouldn’t regret Havertz’s glaring miss in the first half, which came back into focus when Erling Haaland equalized for City in the 55th minute.
The lead was quickly restored for Arsenal just two minutes later when Thomas Partey’s deflected shot wrong-footed goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
The Gunners then went on to seal the win after 62 minutes when 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly struck his first goal for the club, with Ortega getting a hand to it but failing to stop the powerful shot.
Havertz atoned for his earlier miss in the 76th minute, finishing coolly past Ortega to make it 4-1, and a third teenage star, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, wrapped things up in the dying moments with a stunning shot into the corner, assisted by Declan Rice.
Lewis-Skelly Steals the Spotlight
Arsenal, keen on keeping pace with Liverpool’s relentless form, knew this game was a must-win to avoid falling further behind. A defeat would have left them nine points adrift, with Liverpool having a game in hand.
Lewis-Skelly was key to Arsenal’s victory, scoring a crucial goal and impressing with his powerful runs in defense. The teenager’s rise comes after an intense exchange with Haaland during a fiery 2-2 draw in September, where Haaland questioned “who are you?” after clashing with Lewis-Skelly. After this performance, Haaland certainly knows who he is now.
The result boosts Arsenal’s confidence as they push to catch Liverpool, while Havertz, having missed an easy chance earlier, could now breathe a sigh of relief as his goal played a pivotal role in their success.
City’s Season of Decline Continues
Manchester City once again showed signs of collapse, similar to their recent Champions League defeat to Paris St-Germain. After Haaland’s equalizer, City’s defense crumbled, conceding four goals in the second half. Manager Pep Guardiola was left helpless on the sideline as his side’s decline continued.
Rodri’s long-term injury earlier in the season has been cited as a turning point, but it doesn’t explain the full extent of City’s ongoing struggles both domestically and in Europe. They now face Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout rounds, where their current form will give opponents hope of an upset.
(BBC SPORT)