Raheem Sterling’s early strike helped Manchester City to a 1-0 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates to go 10 points clear at the top of the table and extend their winning streak to 18 in all competitions.
Arsenal came into the game having drawn 1-1 in their midweek Europa League fixture against Benfica, while the visitors continued their fine league form with a convincing 3-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park
City are now unbeaten in their last 11 league games against Arsenal, with the hosts last victory coming back in December 2015 via a 2-1 win.
Mikel Arteta’s side gave themselves little chance of turning around their fortunes against the away side when they went behind within two minutes of the kick-off.
With the Gunners yet to get going; Ruben Dias found Riyad Mahrez with a cross-field switch giving the Algerian an opportunity to cut-inside and whip a cross towards the back-post.
Sterling cleverly lost his marker in the six-yard box, and leaped the highest to guide his header past the stranded Bernd Leno, to put City in the driving seat.
Pep Guardiola’s men were looking dangerous every time they ventured into the final third with their fluid and unorthodox formation forcing Arsenal to chase shadows.
Just moments after the opener City nearly doubled their advantage when Mahrez’s weaving run created the space for him to get a shot on goal. It looked to be heading in if it wasn’t for a fine block by Kieran Tierney.
Approaching the final 15 minutes of the first half, Arsenal finally started to get going in an attacking sense as Tierney and Bukayo Saka combined well down the left to get in behind City’s defence.
With little other options Tierney was forced into taking a speculative effort from range, which was well hit, however it comfortably saved by Ederson.
Despite an encouraging spell toward the end of the half for the home side, they were unable to capitalise meaning the score stayed at 1-0 going into the break.
From the restart the theme of City dominance continued, as they looked to put the game to bed with an early goal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko managed to pick out Kevin De Bruyne on the edge of the area but he narrowly missed with an audacious chip on his weaker left-foot on his first start since returning from injury.
Following this the game turned into an exhibition match for the away side as they kept possession with the intent of frustrating Arsenal.
Chances were few and far between as City appeared to be content with the current scoreline and Arsenal looked to be out of energy as a result of facing large spells without the ball.
In the last 10 minutes the game opened up slightly with Arsenal pushing for an equaliser, which allowed City full back Joao Cancelo to drive into the box and cut inside of Pablo Mari.
However, with the goal gaping the Portuguese right-back decided to take the shot with the outside of his boot missing the target completely.
The half ended goalless, giving City a 1-0 win to take all three points with them back to the North West.
This result puts Manchester City in a commanding lead at the top of the table, maintaining the gap between them and second-placed Manchester United to 10 points after 25 games played.
Despite their recent domestic revival, Arsenal find themselves faltering in mid-table, following yet another setback in their pursuit of European football next season.
