Manchester City increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after a deserved 3-1 win at home to Arsenal.
The Gunners started with Francis Coquelin in an unfamiliar central defensive role, while Alexandre Lacazette was left on the bench as Arsene Wenger looked to frustrate City’s potent attack.
However, from the off, the hosts were much the better side, with Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling going close early on.
The opening goal eventually came on 19 minutes, with Kevin De Bruyne firing past Petr Cech after being afforded far too much time to line up his shot.
Despite dominating for large periods of the game, the hosts wouldn’t get their second until after the break, after Sterling had been fouled in the box by Nacho Monreal.
Despite protests from the Arsenal players, Aguero converted the resulting to spot-kick.
Arsenal improved, and got one back via a cool finish from sub Lacazette.
However, City then sealed the deal with Gabriel Jesus tapping in from a David Silva pass.
This time, the Arsenal players’ protests were 100% justified, with Silva receiving the ball in a clear offside position. Although the Gunners’ failure to play to the whistle was shocking.
The game would end in a 3-1 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have now registered the best-ever start to a Premier League campaign via their 31 points and +31 goal difference.
While the Gunners will feel aggrieved by at least by at least one of City’s goals, they were well beaten overall and once again look like a side capable of nothing more than a top-four place at best.