Manchester City took another big step towards the Premier League title as they outclassed a desolate Arsenal side 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a fantastic performance from City, as they extended their lead at the top to 16 points once again. With just four days of preparation for the game, after both sides played each other in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s men once again proved themselves to be one of the best teams in the world.
The game started in surprisingly a slow tempo for City as Arsenal looked to assert some early pressure, but were only able to test Ederson with some half-chances. After quarter of an hour, the deadlock was broken as a deadly Leroy Sane run set up Bernardo Silva, who hit a curled strike past Petr Cech from outside of the box. Minutes later, it was 2-0 as David Silva got in on the act. Sane was involved once again as another jinking run found Sergio Aguero, who laid the ball onto Silva for a near-post finish. The game was sealed five minutes later as Kevin De Bruyne’s threaded pass found Kyle Walker overlapping down the right flank, with the Englishman squaring to Sane for a simple tap-in.
The second half could have seen a closer contest as Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a misjudged foul by Nicolas Otamendi. Fortunately for him and for City, Ederson was the hero as he saved from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s tame penalty.
A scintillating display from City, and one that will give them a big confidence boost going into Sunday’s crucial game against Chelsea.
Here are our player ratings from the match.
Ederson - 9
Ederson was superb tonight as he ensured that there would be no sloppy goals conceded. He managed to stop a potential Vincent Kompany own goal, and stepped up when it mattered most to deny Aubameyang’s penalty early on in the second half.
Kyle Walker - 8
Two top-draw performances in a row against a former North London rival. Fantastic pressing and one-touch passing from Walker. It allowed City to dominate from the start and ensured that Arsenal would have no chance of coming back into the match.
Vincent Kompany - 9
Put in another commanding display against the same opponents in the space of four days. What a man! His leadership and distribution levels were outstanding throughout the match.
Nicolas Otamendi - 9
Unfortunate to concede a penalty in the second half, with Mkhitaryan cutting it out of nowhere. Redeemed himself, however, with some no-nonsense defending at the back.
Danilo - 8
Showed great levels of desire and courage to block Aaron Ramsey’s shot in the first half, and was comfortable on the ball throughout for City.
Ilkay Gündoğan - 9
His ability on the ball was magnificent at times and took the role of Fernandinho like a duck to water. Showed the same amount of aggression and pressing that was required against an Arsenal midfield out for some form of revenge (which never materialised).
Kevin De Bruyne - 8
Wasn’t his best performance, but Arsenal could not deal with his ability. Outshone Ozil once again in a big game, showing that he is a crucial part of this well-oiled machine.
David Silva - 9
A beautiful finish from the talented Spaniard, which he started and completed himself. Showed once again why he is one of the best players in the league.
Bernardo Silva - 9
A scintillating strike from the Portuguese wizard for the first goal, and he worked tremendously hard throughout. A joy to watch.
Sergio Aguero - 8
Wasn’t able to clinch his 200th goal for the club, but he was excellent in contributing to all three of the goals tonight. Caused many problems for Arsenal and looks threatening every time he gets the ball.
Leroy Sane - 10
The first two goals were all down to Sane’s immense pace and trickery, whilst the third was a delicate finish from the man himself.