Manchester City took hold of their title destiny with an accomplished 4-1 conquest of title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.
Kevin De Bruyne’s double along with John Stones’ VAR-awarded goal and Erling Haaland’s 49th strike of the season saw the Blues cut the gap to two points at the top with two games in hand. The hosts dominated the match at the Etihad, limiting Arsenal to a mere handful of half-chances aside from Rob Holding’s last consolation.
The win means City are still on for a treble, being also in the final of the FA Cup and the semi-finals of the Champions League. The defending champions are looking to lift their third league title in a row and have seven fixtures left to fulfil that mission.
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Here are a handful of moments City fans may have missed during the clash with the Gunners.
Pep’s passionate chat with Ederson
Guardiola was punching the air when De Bruyne found the net after sevens minutes but was soon onto Ederson talking tactics. The Catalan coach was passionately remonstrating with the goalkeeper about what to do when on the ball.
His gestures seemed to indicate he wanted the Brazilian to release the ball quicker - all while the other ten City players were celebrating the goal. Ederson did seem to quicken up his distribution afterwards.
Akanji’s role in Stones goal
Stones’ goal was eventually awarded when it was adjudged Ben White’s foot had kept him onside in what was a close call. Manuel Akanji had a role to play in the goal.
He had been jostling with White from the free-kick and his pressure forced the Arsenal defender back behind the defensive line and plant his foot backwards, meaning Stones was ultimately onside.
City fans mock Arsenal
With the game at 3-0 on the hour, City fans took aim at the travelling contingent for their team’s display with a humorous chant. Blues supporters let out ‘are you Tottenham in disguise?’ to taunt their title rivals.
This came on the back of Tottenham’s 6-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, which saw the club fire interim boss Cristian Stellini.
Jesus applauded by City fans
Gabriel Jesus trotted off with a little under 10 minutes left to play after a largely frustrating performance. Upon his substitution, he exited the field at the nearest touchline, walking around to the bench.
The former City man was applauded by the home fans as he walked around the pitch in a gesture of appreciation. He understandably remained glum-faced with his side behind.
Stones’ emphatic reaction at full-time
The England star is in fine form in his new-found role and put in yet another classy display. The defender let out a belting roar when Michael Oliver blew the full-time whistle.
Stones was mobbed by teammates afterwards with the defender arguably in the form of his life.
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