Manchester City edge out Arsenal to go top of the Premier League table

Manchester City landed a huge blow in the race for the 2022/23 Premier League title as they beat Arsenal 3-1 in the top of the table clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The defending champions produced an inspired second-half performance after Bukayo Saka’s penalty cancelled out Kevin de Bruyne’s early opener in the first 45 minutes. Goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland gave City the precious three points in North London, taking them to the top of the Premier League table for the first time since November.

Despite missing Thomas Partey in the centre of midfield, Arsenal dominated the early proceedings of this marquee matchup on Wednesday night. Eddie Nketiah had a golden chance to open the scoring early on but headed wide from Zinchenko’s cross. The Gunners continued to control the possession, but it was Manchester City who took the lead against the run of play. Kevin de Bruyne capitalised on a fluffed backpass from Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 24th minute, and the Belgian sent his lofted shot over a helpless Aaron Ramsdale to give Manchester City the lead.

The Gunners responded admirably to falling behind and raised their tempo in front of their home support. Bukayo Saka tormented stand-in left-back Bernardo Silva down the right wing, and the Gunners found a deserved equaliser towards the end of the half from the penalty spot. City goalkeeper Ederson clattered into striker Eddie Nketiah after he had released his shot, and Bukayo Saka converted the subsequent spot-kick, sending the Brazilian the wrong way to level the scores for Arsenal.

Manchester City almost produced an instant response, with Rodri’s deflected header hitting the woodwork before the break and displayed their championship mettle in the second period to grab all three points. Guardiola’s decision to bring on Manuel Akanji for Riyad Mahrez at the hour mark proved vital, freeing up Bernardo Silva from his left-back duties to make a greater impact in midfield.

The visitors had a penalty decision overturned by the VAR due to an off-side in the build-up but went on to retake the lead in the 72nd minute after a well-worked team goal. Ilkay Gundogan released Jack Grealish, who managed to squirm his shot past Aaron Ramsdale to score his third goal of the season. Erling Haaland subsequently put the game to bed for Manchester City ten minutes later, firing in his 26th goal of the season in clinical fashion to give City a comfortable 3-1 lead.

Following their first home loss of the season, Arsenal slipped to second place in the table on goal difference. The Gunners do have a game in hand on Manchester City, but have failed to win each of their last three Premier League games and need all three points against Aston Villa at the weekend to turn their season around.