EPL: Gunners Run Riot - Arsenal Demolish Manchester City at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal delivered a stunning 5-1 victory over Manchester City, with Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri all finding the net, as the Gunners extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 14 games.

Arsenal's young talents shone brightly as they delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Manchester City, making a bold statement in the process. Kai Havertz played a pivotal role, scoring a goal and providing an assist, to keep Arsenal's slim Premier League title aspirations alive. The German was one of five different Arsenal players to find the back of the net, as the team extended its unbeaten run in the league to 14 games in emphatic fashion.

A win for the ages by @Arsenal over the reigning Premier League champions 😮#ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/nyGdZTPuAN

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2025

Manchester City's season has been marred by disappointment, but they had hoped to build momentum after advancing in the UEFA Champions League midweek. However, their optimism was short-lived, as they were brought crashing back down to earth within two minutes of kickoff at the Emirates Stadium. A costly mistake by Manuel Akanji, who was dispossessed 25 yards from his own goal, proved disastrous. Kai Havertz seized the opportunity, squaring the ball for Martin Odegaard to tap into an empty net and give Arsenal an early lead.

Arsenal's statement win closes the gap to Liverpool at the top to six points 📊 pic.twitter.com/f2Jjf91MW0

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2025

Gabriel Martinelli almost doubled Arsenal's lead moments later, lifting the ball over Stefan Ortega, but the Brazilian was ruled offside in the build-up, sparing City's blushes.

It took Pep Guardiola's City until midway through the half to threaten David Raya's goal, but when they did, the Spanish goalkeeper produced a breathtaking one-handed save to deny Josko Gvardiol from point-blank range.

City's woes continued as they gifted Arsenal another scoring opportunity. Mateo Kovacic was dispossessed 20 yards from goal, but Kai Havertz astonishingly dragged his shot wide with only Ortega to beat, leaving City wondering what could have been.

The opening 45 minutes saw Erling Haaland touch the ball just six times, making it all the more surprising when he equalized for City shortly after the interval. Haaland showed great composure, heading home at the far post after a teasing cross from Savinho.

However, City's joy was short-lived. A sloppy pass from Phil Foden was intercepted by Thomas Partey, who surged forward from midfield and unleashed a shot that took a heavy deflection before finding the corner of the net.

With a one-goal lead, Arsenal pushed for a third, and it came courtesy of teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly. He curled a shot into the far corner with his right foot, then added to the drama by mimicking Haaland's celebration, injecting even more tension into the match.

Myles Lewis-Skelly's goal didn't galvanize Manchester City; instead, it fueled Arsenal's momentum. The Gunners added a fourth goal nearly 15 minutes later, as Kai Havertz made amends for his earlier miss. He expertly curled a shot into the far corner, capitalizing on a swift Arsenal counterattack.

Pep Guardiola's frustration was palpable on the touchline, but he was unable to alter the outcome. City's defeat marked only their second loss in 41 Premier League games post-January, leaving them 11 points adrift in the title race. Meanwhile, Arsenal basked in the glory of a resounding victory.

The day belonged to Arsenal, who delighted their fans with a scintillating performance. In the closing stages, the Gunners even earned ole's from the crowd as they secured their longest unbeaten league run since 2018. The cherry on top came with the last kick of the game, as Ethan Nwaneri scored a stunning fifth goal to put the icing on the cake.