Champs rocked in rival’s huge title statement; star’s ugly post-match blow-up — PL wrap
Arsenal laid down an early marker in the Premier League title race by beating Manchester City 1-0 on Sunday, while Liverpool were held by Brighton in a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected strike on 86 minutes handed the Gunners their first league victory over City since 2015 to leapfrog the champions into second place in the table.
City have now lost consecutive Premier League games for the first time in five years.
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The treble winners were made to pay for a lacklustre performance with Erling Haaland anonymous up front.
City’s only shot on target came inside five minutes as Josko Gvardiol’s effort was cleared off the line by Declan Rice.
The visitors were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men before half-time as Matteo Kovacic twice avoided a red card.
The Croatian was shown a yellow card for a lunge on Martin Odegaard that could have been a straight red and then escaped a second booking for bringing down Rice.
Martinelli was introduced by Mikel Arteta at half-time in the search for a spark but Arsenal were also lifeless in attack until the Brazilian struck at the death.
This time fortune favoured Arsenal as Martinelli’s shot seemed destined for the arms of Ederson until it hit Nathan Ake in the face and deflected into his own net.
Victory takes Arteta’s men level on points with leaders Tottenham, two points ahead of third-placed City.
There were also ugly scenes at the end of the match with City full back Kyle Walker confronting Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover on the sidelines.
Walker had to be removed by his teammates, while coach Guardiola
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