Manchester City dismantled Arsenal 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium, casting doubt on the Gunners' title credentials. The visitors, who boasted the best defensive record in the league before the match, were overwhelmed by City's relentless attack, which has now scored 35 goals in eight home league games this season.
Arsène Wenger cited fatigue from a midweek Champions League trip to Naples as a factor, though he initially said he would not use it as an excuse. The defeat cut Arsenal's lead over City to three points, with Wenger later claiming City were 'not unbeatable' and that Everton and Southampton had performed just as well against his side.
City took the lead through Sergio Agüero, who scored his 19th goal in 20 appearances before limping off with a calf injury. Theo Walcott equalised for Arsenal after a rare error from Yaya Touré, but City regained the lead through Álvaro Negredo and extended it via Fernandinho, who scored his first goals for the club. David Silva and Yaya Touré also found the net, while Arsenal's consolation goals came from Walcott, Per Mertesacker, and an own goal.
Arsenal's frustrations boiled over late on, with Jack Wilshere risking a ban for showing a middle finger to the home crowd, and Mesut Özil apologising for failing to applaud the away fans. Wenger lamented 'easy mistakes' from his side, particularly Özil's careless pass that led to City's third goal.
Despite the defeat, Wenger insisted his team are still in the title race. However, the manner of the loss raised questions about their ability to sustain a challenge, especially with a gruelling festive schedule ahead.
