Arsenal have closed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points after a resounding 5-1 victory over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners’ win was their second consecutive league victory, and it kept them within touching distance of Liverpool. Martin Odegaard opened the scoring inside two minutes, and despite Erling Haaland’s equalizer, Arsenal ran riot in the second half.
Thomas Partey restored Arsenal’s lead just two minutes after Haaland’s goal, and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly scored his first goal for the club to make it 3-1. Kai Havertz made up for a first-half miss with a precise finish, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri sealed the win with a fabulous shot into the far corner.
The victory was a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who knew only a win would suffice to keep pace with Liverpool’s relentless form. The win was also a testament to the team’s depth and talent, with youngsters Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri making significant contributions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted and revealed that the team was also lucky to have things go their way.
“Considering the opposition that we played, the result we got, and the manner in which we did it. It makes it a special day. A lot of things have to go your way. They are so good they force you to be deeper and be in a situation that you don’t want to be in. Sometimes you need a bit of luck, and after that, you have to be efficient.” Arteta said.
Manchester City are in freefall and their collapse in the second half was alarming, and they have now conceded four second-half goals in consecutive matches. The defeat raises serious questions about City’s title ambitions, and they face a daunting task in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola’s side gifted Arsenal an early lead, and their demise was embarrassing once the Gunners quickly restored their advantage. City’s form has fallen off a cliff, and they will need to regroup quickly to salvage their season.
The win was a thrilling spectacle for Arsenal fans, who celebrated wildly at the final whistle. The team’s title bid received a significant boost, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
