Arsenal
Manchester City delivered an ominous message to their Premier League title rivals as leaders Arsenal were thrashed.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side closed the gap on the Gunners to three points with another in a growing list of devastating attacking displays at home this season.
And they have piled on the agony for North London’s two contenders as Arsenal suffered following City’s recent 6-0 demolition of Tottenham.
The visitors may point to some questionable offside calls and a rejected penalty claim – but in reality they were ultimately blown away by the sheer firepower of a City side who have now scored 35 league goals at
home this season and in 58 consecutive games at Etihad Stadium.
City are not simply beating teams at home, they are dismantling them and if they can replicate part of this
form away from home they must surely be title favourites.
Sergio Aguero’s early goal was cancelled out by Theo Walcott but Alvaro Negredo put City back in front
before half-time.
City’s potency was not reduced by a calf injury to Aguero, with Fernandinho extending their lead before Walcott’s second restored some optimism for Arsene
Wenger’s side.
But the hosts were coming at Arsenal from all angles, with David Silva and Fernandinho again finding the target before Per Mertesacker’s header made it 5-3 in stoppage time.
City’s brilliance deserved the final word – and so it proved as Yaya Toure’s penalty gave them another six goals in what is become a catalogue of virtuoso performances at home.
As expected, City manager Pellegrini restored Costel Pantilimon in goal, despite Joe Hart playing his part in
the midweek Champions League win against holders Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.
Aguero has been City’s spearhead and he was at it again after only 13 minutes, showing perfect technique
once more to sweep in a right-foot volley after Martin Demichelis had flicked on Samir Nasri’s corner.
Posted By Kevin Jasper (@KevinJasper3)