Arsenal mock rivals Man City and spark Premier League title race into life with statement result - reaction

The Independent

·3 February 2025

Arsenal mock rivals Man City and spark Premier League title race into life with statement result - reaction

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Pep Guardiola says Haaland will control his emotions as striker prepares to face Gabriel in Arsenal clash

Arsenal sparked their Premier League title challenge back into life by trashing rivals Manchester City in a heated 5-1 win that saw the Gunners earn revenge against the champions.

Tensions between the teams were high after September’s 2-2 draw between the teams but Arsenal earned a statement victory against Pep Guardiola's side, who had pipped them to the title in the last two seasons.

Goals from teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri ensured a triumphant victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, after Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal in front inside two minutes.

Erling Haaland equalised in the second half but Arsenal restored their advantage within 38 seconds off the restart as Thomas Partey’s strike deflected in off John Stones.

Lewis-Skelly added the third minutes later with his first Arsenal goal, before appearing to mock Haaland by copying his trademark “Zen” celebration.

Kai Havertz made it four, making up for his earlier miss, before Nwaneri came off the bench to complete the demolition of the champions and cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table.

Arsenal vs Man City LIVE

Arsenal thrash Man City 5-1 and spark life into title race with statement win
90+3' GOAL! Ethan Nwaneri makes it five in stoppage time (ARS 5-1 MCI)
76' GOAL! Kai Havertz makes up for earlier miss to add to Gunners rout (ARS 4-1 MCI)
63' GOAL! Myles Lewis-Skelly adds third with first Arsenal goal (ARS 3-1 MCI)
55' GOAL! Arsenal re-take the lead 38 seconds after restart with deflected Partey strike (ARS 2-1 MCI)
54' GOAL! Haaland heads brilliant equaliser to punish Arsenal misses (ARS 1-1 MCI)
25' CHANCE! Kai Havertz misses golden chance as Man City give ball away again (ARS 1-0 MCI)
22' SAVE! David Raya makes brilliant stop to tip Gvardiol header onto bar (ARS 1-0 MCI)
2' GOAL! Martin Odegaard strikes early after Man City give ball away (ARS 1-0 MCI)

Man City's brutal fixture schedule

8 Feb: vs Leyton Orient (away) - FA

11/ Feb: vs Real Madrid (away)- CL

15 Feb: vs Newcastle (home) - PL

19 Feb: vs Real Madrid (home) - CL

23 Feb: vs Liverpool (home) - PL

26 Feb: vs Tottenham (away) - PL

Jamie Braidwood3 February 2025 08:28

The Myles Lewis-Skelly moment that summed up Arsenal and Man City’s new reality

It’s remarkable to think this match was in the balance for a time. There was a period where it looked like Arsenal were treating the opposition as if they were the Manchester City of 2023 rather than of 2025.

That ironically changed when Erling Haaland rediscovered his touch, and actually touched the ball again. The Norwegian’s brilliant header to equalise felt like the last time anyone in a City shirt did anything competent. It came in the 55th minute.

Haaland’s goal was like a moment of realisation that finally woke Arsenal up. They went from trying to protect an opening goal, gifted to them by City’s loose play on the edge of their own box, to rampaging at the visitors in a way that reminded of their own best form from the last few years.

The Myles Lewis-Skelly moment that summed up Arsenal and Man City’s new reality

Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City: It took the urgency, and attitude, of a teenager to remind the Gunners who they are - and show the champions how far they have fallen

Miguel Delaney3 February 2025 07:27