Manchester City have returned to the summit of the Premier League for the first time since November last year following a 3-1 victory over title race rival, Arsenal, at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. 

It was Arsenal’s third defeat in the league this season, with Manchester United and Everton the other two clubs to overpower the Londoners.

Arsenal were without their key midfielder Thomas Partey for the top-of-the-table clash, which dealt a late massive blow for the Gunners as their new signing Jorginho was handed the mantle to marshal the midfield.

In the 24th minute, Kelvin De Bruyne scored his first goal after 17 games and the Belgian capitalised on a Takehiro Tomiyaau’s short back pass to Aaron Ramsdale as the City midfielder beat Arsenal’s keeper to the ball and latched it into an empty post.

Arsenal’s star boy, Bukayo Saka, equalised for the Gunners in tail end of the first half. The England international coolly slotted in a spotkick awarded to Arsenal following goalkeeper Ederson’s challenge on Edward Nketiah inside the 18-yard area.

Two second half goals from Jack Grealish in the 72nd minute after the former Aston Villa’s shot from Ikan Gündogan’s assist was deflected into the net and Erling Haaland’s 26th league goal of the season ten minutes later, were enough to seal the victory for Manchester City.

Manchester City returned to top of the league table for the first time since 5th November 2022, tied on 51 points with Arsenal, who have one game in hand as the Premier League title wears another shape until the next round of fixtures.

Arsenal have now failed to win any of their last three league games for the first time this season as concerns continue to grow amongst the club’s fans over their biggest fear of returning to their annual ‘February-March’ downtime.