Arsenal sent a resounding message in the Premier League title race with a 5-1 demolition of reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, cutting the gap at the top to six points.
The Gunners wasted no time in asserting their dominance, as captain Martin Ødegaard capitalized on City’s defensive frailties to fire them ahead inside two minutes.
Although Erling Haaland equalized early in the second half, Arsenal responded emphatically.
City’s hopes of a comeback lasted less than a minute as Thomas Partey’s deflected effort restored Arsenal’s lead, before teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly marked his first senior goal in stunning fashion.
Thomas Partey celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kai Havertz put the game beyond doubt with a clinical counter-attacking finish, and substitute Ethan Nwaneri sealed the rout with a spectacular curler in the dying moments.
With 50 points from 24 matches, Arsenal remain firmly in the title hunt, trailing Liverpool (56 points) by six, though the Reds have a game in hand.
City, meanwhile, find themselves a distant fourth with 41 points from 24 games, raising serious doubts about their title defense.
Spurs End Losing Streak
Son Heung-Min celebrates with teammates during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Brentford Community Stadium. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Tottenham ended their four-game Premier League losing streak with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Brentford—but the victory was overshadowed by loud protests against club chairman Daniel Levy.
Spurs took the lead in fortunate fashion when Son Heung-min’s inswinging corner ricocheted off Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt for an own goal in the 29th minute.
Substitute Pape Matar Sarr then latched onto Son’s precise pass to flick home a late second, sealing a crucial three points for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Despite the much-needed win, Tottenham fans repeatedly chanted “We want Levy out,” voicing their frustration at the club’s stagnation under his 24-year tenure.
The discontent follows the club’s lack of significant investment in the squad, with a banner at last week’s loss to Leicester reading: “24 years, 16 managers, one trophy. Time for change.”
The unrest comes at a pivotal moment for Postecoglou, who faces a defining week in charge.
Spurs, now 14th and 10 points clear of the relegation zone, will travel to Liverpool on Thursday for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, aiming to protect their slender 1-0 advantage and book a long-awaited Wembley final.
With the club’s last major trophy dating back to the 2008 League Cup, securing silverware could be a crucial step in restoring faith among frustrated supporters.
