Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City: 5 talking points as City continue their march to the title

Like every other side facing Manchester City this season, Arsenal were up against the odds to come out on top in this fixture. And they couldn't, as City emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.

It was another solid performance by Pep and his team who look unstoppable at the moment. The away side got the lead inside two minutes at the Emirates when Sterling drifted into space left by Rob Holding and headed it from close range.

Riyad Mahrez was full of tricks and flicks on the right flank while Sterling caused all sorts of trouble down the left. But despite creating many chances, City could not double their lead.

Arsenal grew into the game and created opportunities during the end of the first half. They carried the momentum into the second half really well and made life difficult for Manchester City.

Pep's team were sloppy and could not pass around at will as they did in the first 45 minutes. Arsenal created a few half-chances but were unable to find the back of the net.

Raheem Sterling's early header in the first half turned out to be the winning goal as Pep Guardiola's side restored their 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Keeping all that in mind, let us take a look at the five talking points from this game.

#5 Unsung hero Bernardo Silva

After a sluggish start to the onogoing season, Bernardo Silva seems to have returned to his best.

The Portuguese's relentless pressing, added to his brilliant passing-range makes him a special player. He is quite often at the centre of City's attacks and has once again grown into an important player for the side.

If City continue their dominance over the Premier League, expect Bernardo to play a crucial role.

#4 Arsenal's European dreams

Mikel Arteta's job of helping Arsenal finish in one of the European spots is getting tougher and tougher as we enter the last phase of the season.

With just one win in the last four games, Arsenal have dropped to the 10th position, six points off the final Europa League spot.

Arteta's men had found some form during the end of 2020 but the recent run of results has turned things again.

The upcoming run of fixtures doesn't paint a nice picture too. They are set to face Leicester City, Tottenham and Liverpool in their next five games.

It is going to take a mammoth effort from Arsenal to finish in the top six.

#3 Return of Kevin De Bruyne

It wasn't as apparent as we'd expect but Manchester City were missing their talisman Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian had been out of action since injuring his hamstring in mid-January.

Deemed fit to start the Arsenal encounter, De Bruyne created two chances and played three key passes. He came close to scoring with a few long-range strikes and seemed as big a threat as he was before his injury lay off.

The 29-year old played 63 minutes before being subbed off for Gabriel Jesus.

#2 The difference in quality

The difference in quality between the two sides was there for all to see.

In a season where squad depth is key and keeping players fresh is more important than ever, no team can come close to Manchester City.

City have been playing without a proper striker for months now and that has never seemed an issue.

Manchester City have world-class players in all positions and this unrivaled depth puts them in pole position for domestic success.

#1 Unstoppable Manchester City

A run of 13 consecutive league wins, including the one against Arsenal, has seen Manchester City storm 10 points clear at the top of the table. Pep Guardiola's side have now made it 18 straight wins in all competitions.

His players have been relentless, scoring 47 goals in this period and conceding just six.

Manchester City also equalled club record for most consecutive away wins.

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