Manchester City moved to within two points of league leaders Liverpool after a convincing 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.
Sergio Aguero was the star of the show for the hosts, with the striker bagging his 14th hat-trick for the club.
Shorn of Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Sokratis, Arsenal’s defence was always going to struggle against the potent Citizens, with Stephan Lichtsteiner once again looking way off the pace.
City took the lead within the opening minute after Alex Iwobi gave the ball away just outside his own box, with Aguero scoring from close-range.
However, the Gunners hit back on 11 minutes, with more poor defending, this time from the Citizens, allowing Laurent Koscielny to head home from a corner.
Unai Emery’s side settled after their goal although City continued to dominate possession.
Just before the break, Arsenal would concede a second, with Aguero finishing off a fine move from Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling, after more sloppy defending from the visitors.
The second half saw the hosts totally in control, with the Gunners failing to muster a single shot.
Aguero would complete his hat-trick just after the hour-mark, bundling the ball in via his elbow to seal the deal for the impressive Citizens.
That goal was the 30-year-old’s 14th hat-trick for City, and his 10th in the Premier League, with only Alan Shearer managing more.
10 – Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick is his tenth in the Premier League for Manchester City; only Alan Shearer (11) has more in the competition’s history. Magic. #MCIARS pic.twitter.com/Avmh184Z6J
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 3, 2019
Pep Guardiola’s side move to within two points leaders Liverpool, at least until the Reds play on Monday night.
As for Arsenal, they find themselves in sixth place, with a top four finish now looking a tall order, with a huge amount of work needed to strengthen their squad.