ARSENAL THRASH MANCHESTER CITY 5-1 TO KEEP PACE WITH LIVERPOOL

Arsenal yesterday claimed an emphatic 5-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City at the Emirates to keep pace with Premiership log leaders Liverpool.

In the battle between the sides, the Gunners prevailed to move within six points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

 Arsenal were gifted the perfect start inside, two minutes as MANUEL AKANJI lost possession and KAI HAVERTZ helped  MARTIN ODEGAARD to open the scoring.

 The defending champions conceded within 105 seconds of the restart when THOMAS PARTEY’S shot deflected in off John Stones.

 Defeat leaves City still in fourth but now 15 points off the top and realistically dethroned after four consecutive seasons as champions.