A goal and assist from Kai Havertz helped Arsenal maintain their slim Premier League title hopes, with the German being one of five different goalscorers in a 5-1 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. This win extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league to 14 matches.
Manchester City, fresh off their midweek Champions League progress, were quickly brought back to reality as Arsenal took the lead within two minutes. Manuel Akanji lost possession near his own goal, and Kai Havertz set up Martin Ødegaard to tap in. Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli thought he had scored, but his effort was ruled offside.
It wasn’t until the middle of the first half that City tested David Raya, with Joško Gvardiol forcing a brilliant one-handed save from the Spanish goalkeeper. However, City’s mistakes continued, as Mateo Kovačić was dispossessed, but Havertz dragged his shot wide when he was free in front of goal.
Despite having only six touches in the first half, Erling Haaland equalised early in the second half, heading in a cross from Savinho. But Arsenal regained the lead almost immediately, as a poor pass from Phil Foden was intercepted by Thomas Partey, whose deflected shot found the net.
Arsenal didn’t sit back on their one-goal lead and soon made it 3-1 through teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, who curled in a beautiful shot, then celebrated by mimicking Haaland. This seemed to motivate Arsenal even more, and Havertz scored again, curling into the corner after a fast break.
City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, was visibly frustrated on the touchline as his team fell further behind in the title race. Arsenal sealed the win with the last kick of the game when Ethan Nwaneri added a fifth goal, ensuring their longest unbeaten league run since 2018.
