Manchester City advanced to a sixth Premier League title in six seasons with a commanding 4-1 victory over title rivals. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City defeated Arsenal for the 12th time in a row.
In one of the division’s most anticipated games in recent memory, both teams knew that a win would give them control of the title race heading into the final weeks of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s team, who were eight points clear at the start of the month, came into the game on the back of three straight draws, while City hoped to extend their 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
The opening phases were played in a tremendous atmosphere befitting the occasion, and it was the hosts who broke through just seven minutes.
Erling Haaland’s superb hold-up play set up Kevin De Bruyne, who advanced to the edge of the box before sweeping a perfect finish past Aaron Ramsdale to give City the lead.
After winning six consecutive league home matches by at least two goals, the Cityzens continued to stamp their influence on proceedings throughout a one-sided first half-hour, with De Bruyne and Haaland both coming close to expanding the hosts’ lead.
Despite City’s domination, a number of gilt-edged chances went begging, with Haaland twice stopped by Ramsdale, while another shot flew well past of the goal.
Despite their inability to score, the hosts’ patience was rewarded on the stroke of halftime, as John Stones ghosted in at the back post to knock in a perfect De Bruyne free-kick.
Faced with a two-goal deficit, Arsenal emerged from the break determined to regain control of the game.
City, on the other hand, added a third just before the hour mark, as Haaland threaded a lovely pass into the path of De Bruyne, who finished with ease into the bottom corner. The Gunners were basically knocked out, allowing the hosts to cruise through big stretches of the second half.
A late comeback along the lines of the one they created against Southampton last week never looked realistic, despite Rob Holding slotting home a consolation for the Gunners.
However, it was too little, too late for Arsenal, as Haaland finally got in on the act in stoppage time, delivering the title advantage to Pep Guardiola’s rampaging squad who are honing in on a third consecutive Premier League crown and a historic treble.
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