Arsenal stars underperformed as Man City take huge step towards title

After defeating Arsenal at the Etihad, Manchester City made a significant step toward defending their Premier League title.

The Gunners were baffled by the pairing of Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland; their lead at the top has now been down to two points with City having two games remaining.

After John Stones’ accurate header, De Bruyne scored again, with Haaland assisting both of his goals.

Rob Holding scored for the visitors late on, but Haaland’s goal in stoppage time prevented a stunning comeback.

The disparity in class was obvious all night long as City’s wide range of stars showed when it counted. Arsenal was unable to find any rhythm.

Player ratings after a pivotal night in the Premier League.

Ederson – 6

Doesn’t look good on him with no clean sheet but could do nothing about Holding’s strike.

Kyle Walker – 7

To cope with Gabriel Martinelli’s threat, go back to the side. easily eliminated any threat posed by the Arsenal counterattack.

Ruben Dias – 6

A card was issued for a pointless kick-out at White late in the first half. Otherwise, a peaceful evening at work.

Manuel Akanji – 8

Another outstanding defensive effort, with contributions from driving runs up the field.

John Stones – 8

Headed home a superb header to double city’s lead, again provided to De Bruyne. Perfectly placed by the England man who didn’t put a foot wrong all night.

Rodri – 8

His usual, classy self. Pressed and controlled on the Arsenal midfield.

Bernardo Silva – 7

On the right, a calm but dynamic performance.

Kevin de Bruyne – 9

Sublime. tormented Arsenal with his middle runs, linking with Haaland with ease. with two flawless finishes, on the scoresheet twice.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7

Excellent in transition; forced the opposition to make errors at will.

Jack Grealish – 7

Driving presence down the inside left all the time.

Erling Haaland – 8

Simply a poacher? None at all. Throughout the evening, dropped deep to free de Bruyne, and when the closest man moved forward, he intimidated Holding and Gabriel. Despite some poor finishing, he eventually scored in extra time for goal no. 49 of the season.

Aaron Ramsdale – 5

Perhaps should have done better with De Bruyne’s opener, beaten by a low drive. Made key saves in the first-half before denying Haaland one-on-one early in the second.

Ben White – 4

made a crucial stop to prevent de Bruyne from scoring again in the first half, but he kept Stones in position for City’s second goal.

Rob Holding – 4

Fired home a superb consolation but was run ragged by Haaland and de Bruyne. Difficult evening where William Saliba’s presence was sorely missed.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 4

couldn’t handle de Bruyne and Haaland’s rapid running.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 4

Served as a weak link in a backline in Manchester that couldn’t hold its own against the hosts.

Martin Odegaard – 4

A bad night. Gave the ball away carelessly for City’s third, passing the ball straight de Bruyne’s feet.

Thomas Partey – 5

unable to handle City’s press.

Granit Xhaka – 4

In midfield, overrun like Partey. In the second half, he started to lose his composure, and Jorginho came on to take his place.

Bukayo Saka – 5

Despite his efforts, he played his quietest game of the season.

Gabriel Jesus – 4

Not in the game at all back at the Etihad.

Gabriel Martinelli – 4

Put up a huge effort but couldn’t complete a single take on.