Manchester City defeated Arsenal 3-1 in a blockbuster Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night to go top of the table.
FULL-TIME | TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!
🔴 1-3 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/iDIMhwi58W
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 15, 2023
The Gunners were without injured Thomas Partey, who was replaced by new signing Jorginho in the middle of the park. They dominated possession early on, but City struck first with their first shot of the game.
Talisman Kevin De Bruyne latched onto a loose backpass from Takehiro Tomiyasu and guided it calmly over goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and into an open net.
Not too long after the opener, in-form Bukayo Saka drew Arsenal level 15 minutes later with a well-taken penalty after referee Anthony Taylor adjudged Ederson for bringing down Eddie Nketiah in the area.
City could have restored their lead with two chances before the half-time break, but Ilkay Gundogan’s attempt was saved by Ramsdale, while Nathan Ake’s deflected effort could only hit the crossbar.
The reigning league champions were up and running in the second half, increasing the tempo and being on the front foot more. It almost paid off when Erling Haaland was brought down in the penalty area by Gabriel Magalhaes, but the Norwegian was ruled to be offside.
After a solid exchange of passes between Haaland and Gundogan, the visitors finally regained the lead in the 72nd minute thanks to an exquisite finish from Jack Grealish.
City added a third to put the tie to bed ten minutes later through Haaland, who took advantage of a brilliant cutback from De Bruyne.
The win saw Pep Guardiola edge his former assistant Mikel Arteta for the eighth time in nine games, losing just once. The former Barcelona coach is also unbeaten in four meetings against the North Londoners at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's wait for a first #PL win against Pep Guardiola continues…#ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/l0vvr1Rv45
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2023
Arsenal continued their unwanted record against the Manchester side, as they have now lost 11 games in a row against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League.
The six-time champions edged Arsenal to go top of the table on goal difference, with both sides on 51 points, but the Gunners have played a game less.
We have a new leader atop the #PL table đź‘‹#ARSMCI | @ManCity pic.twitter.com/wF97FG8Wwn
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2023
