If the night wasn't harrowing enough already for Arsenal's players and fans, they had to deal with comparisons to struggling North London rivals Tottenham.
It what was billed as a defining night in the Premier League title race, Mikel Arteta's men arrived at The Etihad with a five point lead in the title race, albeit having played two more games more than Man City. But rather than make a resounding statement, the visitors were blown away by the champions as they went down to a 4-1 defeat.
And in truth, the margin of victory could have been more with City leading 2-0 at half time through Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones, and missing a host of further chances. De Bruyne made it 3-0 after the break, before Rob Holding's consolation strike was swiftly dismissed by Erling Haaland's 33rd league goal of the campaign.
But long before Holding found the net, Arsenal's away section were being mercilessly mocked by the City faithful. Amid accusations they've lost the nerve in the title race having come into the game on the back of three consecutive draws, Arteta's players were likened to their North London rivals.
"Are you Tottenham in disguise," they sang, referencing the perception that Spurs are unable to win trophies. However, Tottenham fans themselves were quick to bite back, citing their recent record against Guardiola's men.
Spurs have beaten City in five on their last seven league clashes, including their latest meeting on February 5. That day, Harry Kane's goal gave Antonio Conte's men a 1-0 win, although it perhaps proved a false dawn for the now sacked Italian boss.
"'Are you Tottenham in disguise,' chant the home fans," wrote @jamesbenge. "Can't be. City are winning." @thfcmxtt added: "I think the City fans might want to check their team’s record against Tottenham before they chant ‘are you Tottenham is disguise?'"
Clearly, the analogy got to some Arsenal supporters though, with @dyljames3 tweeting: "Not sure whats upset me the most tonight, the fact we got battered or when the City fans started singing are you Tottenham in disguise! Oh well, still top of the league (for now)."
City will have the chance to displace Arsenal at the top of the table when they go to Goodison Park to play Everton on Sunday. The first of what are now surely five must win matches for Arsenal takes place on Tuesday, when The Gunners host Chelsea.
