Manchester City Thrash Arsenal to Tighten Premier League Title Race
De Bruyne and Haaland Star as City Cruise to Victory
Manchester, England
Manchester City produced a stunning performance to dismantle Premier League leaders Arsenal 4-1 on Wednesday night, delivering a major blow to the Gunners' title hopes and reigniting their own. Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland starred for City, scoring twice each as Pep Guardiola's side moved within two points of Arsenal at the top of the standings.
De Bruyne gave City a dream start, curling a sumptuous free-kick into the top corner just five minutes into the match. Arsenal responded well and carved out several chances, but it was City who struck again through Haaland in the 26th minute. The Norwegian striker pounced on a rebound from close range after Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had parried a shot from De Bruyne.
Arsenal continued to press for an equalizer but were caught on the break in the closing stages of the first half. Riyad Mahrez raced onto a long ball from Ederson and squared the ball for De Bruyne to tap in his second of the night. Haaland then added his second and City's fourth in the second half with a clinical finish from inside the area.
The victory was a statement of intent from Manchester City and a timely boost to their title aspirations. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have dropped points in such a crucial fixture, but they remain in control of their own destiny with a game in hand on City.
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