Arsenal 5-1 Man City: Player Ratings, Match report & 4 talking points as Gunners humble reigning champions…

Arsenal delivered a stunning performance against Manchester City, winning 5-1 in a commanding display at the Emirates Stadium.

Here are the highlights and player ratings from the match:

On Sunday afternoon, Arsenal secured an impressive victory over Manchester City, with goals from Odegaard, Partey, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz, and Nwaneri contributing to the rout. This defeat adds pressure on City following their lackluster performance.

The Gunners took an early lead just 104 seconds into the match when Martin Odegaard seized on a defensive blunder.

Although Kai Havertz missed a clear opportunity that could have doubled the lead before halftime, Arsenal’s first-half inefficiency was soon forgotten.

In the second half, despite Erling Haaland equalizing for City, Arsenal quickly regained control.

Goals from Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri sealed a resounding victory for the home side.

The previous encounter in September was marked by chaos and tension, and this match echoed that intensity right from the start.

An error by Manuel Akanji allowed Arsenal to capitalize early, with Odegaard scoring after a clever cut-back from Havertz.

City struggled to keep pace, and although they had a chance to equalize through Josko Gvardiol, David Raya’s exceptional save kept Arsenal in front.

As City appeared to be finding their rhythm, a critical error allowed Arsenal a prime opportunity to increase their lead.

Mateo Kovacic was stripped of the ball near his own penalty area by Declan Rice, yet the struggling Havertz, who had ample time and space to aim, inexplicably shot wide from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.

City concluded the first half in a dominant position, with Raya once again called into action after Savinho’s deflected shot at the near post.

The reigning champions began the second half by controlling the pace of the match.

However, Arsenal was not finished punishing the team that had claimed the last two Premier League titles. In the 76th minute, Havertz redeemed himself for his earlier miss by delivering a precise finish during a swift counter-attack.

Nwaneri then capped off the scoring with a similarly impressive goal in stoppage time.

This victory propels Arsenal back to within six points of league leaders Liverpool, sending a clear message to the Reds, while City remains in fourth place, trailing the second-placed Gunners by nine points.

David Raya – 8.0

Made two crucial saves to keep Arsenal competitive until the second half.

Jurrien Timber – 8.0

Delivered an outstanding performance, expertly timing his forward runs and defending effectively.

William Saliba – 8.0

May feel accountable for Haaland’s goal, but otherwise had an excellent match.

Gabriel Magalhães – 8.5

Thoroughly enjoyed the match and successfully contained Haaland once more.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8.5

An impressive player! Defended excellently and timed his run perfectly to score, celebrating in Haaland’s style.

Martin Odegaard – 8.0

Opened the scoring for Arsenal and had a solid overall performance.

Thomas Partey – 9.0

In exceptional form, he made it challenging for City’s playmakers and capped his performance with a fantastic goal.

Declan Rice – 8.5

Covered significant ground as usual and was relentless in midfield.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8.0

Displayed relentless energy and came close to scoring in a standout performance.

Kai Havertz – 7.5

Bounced back from a disappointing first-half opportunity to net one of the goals.

Leandro Trossard – 7.5

Maintained a constant threat on Arsenal’s left flank and offered strong support to Lewis-Skelly.

Substitutes:

Ethan Nwaneri – 8.0

Although he played for only a brief period, he still found the back of the net.

Mikel Merino – N/A

Riccardo Calafiori – N/A

Raheem Sterling – N/A.