Arsenal delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the Premier League season, demolishing Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium. The stunning victory not only showcased the team's attacking prowess but also sent shockwaves through the title race, keeping Arsenal firmly in pursuit of league leaders Liverpool.
The match began at breakneck speed, with Martin Ødegaard putting the Gunners on the scoreboard just 103 seconds after kickoff. Taking advantage of a defensive error from Manuel Akanji, Ødegaard fired home following some quick interplay involving Kai Havertz and Declan Rice.
While Arsenal appeared to control the game initially, City equalized early in the second half through Erling Haaland. Rising above defenders, Haaland netted with a powerful header, leveling the match at 1-1. Rather than faltering, Arsenal responded immediately, demonstrating their resilience and attacking talent.
Just 38 seconds after Haaland's equalizer, Thomas Partey restored Arsenal's lead with a deflected strike from outside the box. The home crowd, already buzzing from the excitement, erupted once more when 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly netted his first senior goal, elegantly cutting inside before placing the ball past City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Further cementing the Gunners' dominance, Havertz found the net after receiving a well-timed assist from Gabriel Martinelli. With the scoreline sitting comfortably at 4-1, substitute Ethan Nwaneri completed the rout during stoppage time, curling the ball home with precision to finalize the scoreline.
Post-match, Ødegaard expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Yeah, it was a tough game, tough performance. And yeah, with the fans, the atmosphere, and the scoresheet like it, it can’t be anybetter, so very happy.” He lauded his teammates, particularly Havertz, for their contributions, emphasizing their growing connection on the pitch.
Declan Rice offered additional thoughts following the match, acknowledging the emotional weight the game carried due to past rivalries. "I think this is something that's been building up for some time. They nicked the title from Arsenal the year I wasn’t here and then last year beat us to it." He added, "It’s been hard to accept, so coming back home to secure the win felt necessary. We’ve got to keep pushing because we’re still a couple of points off the top, and that's where we want to be.”
Head coach Mikel Arteta celebrated not just the result but the manner of the victory. “It was great to win, especially with the necessity to sustain pressure at the top,” he said. "The atmosphere was mind-blowing. You need everything to win these games, and we showed strength and ruthlessness. We were dominant, but we also had to suffer at times, which makes the win even more gratifying.”
This match marked Arsenal's biggest-ever win against the reigning Premier League champions and illustrated the potential within Arteta's squad. Notably, Lewis-Skelly and fellow teenager Nwaneri both scored, heralding the next generation of talent at the club. "It’s the first time we’ve had two teenagers score for us in the same league match for close to 40 years," Arteta remarked, clearly pleased with the performance of his young players.
On the City side, frustration was palpable. Manager Pep Guardiola conceded the need for improvement, particularly after the team's dismal performance following Haaland's equalizer. “I only regret the last 25 minutes; we forgot to do what we should do, what we did for 65, 70 minutes. It’s happened multiple times this season.”
This win reinforces Arsenal's position as serious contenders for the title. They now sit second, six points behind Liverpool, who struggled to maintain their advantage after their own victory against Bournemouth. Arsenal fans will be holding their breath as the season progresses and the race continues.
On social media, Arsenal’s official account playfully shared images of Lewis-Skelly mimicking Haaland's iconic celebration after scoring his goal, reflecting the intensity and rivalry present during the match. Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling's father and former City defender, responded to the post with criticisms aimed at Arsenal, creating additional narrative fodder surrounding this burgeoning rivalry.
Now, with Arsenal returning to league action against Leicester City on February 15 and poised to face Newcastle for the Carabao Cup semi-final, the aim remains clear: to keep pressure on the league leaders and maintain momentum.
The impressive win was not only about securing points but reinforcing the belief and unity within the squad, as players and fans alike celebrated this powerful statement against the defending champions. Arsenal is back, and they are hungry for more. With such performances, they reaffirm their status as title challengers, and Liverpool will know they cannot afford to slip up now.