Arsenal made a big statement in the race for the Premier League title with victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners opened up a two-goal first-half lead through Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, with assist king Mesut Özil laying on both goals.
And despite Yaya Touré pulling one back late on, it was Arsenal’s day.
Before the game, the big story was Sergio Agüero’s return to the City line-up for the first time since November, but the Argentine has blown very hot and cold this season.
Aguero's last eight PL games:
no goals
no goals
no goals
no goals
no goals
five goals
one goal
no goals— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 21, 2015
The game started rather slowly.
https://twitter.com/mattjedruch/status/679039674774650880
But when Arsenal did go in front, it was only ever going to come from one man.
No, not Theo Walcott, even though he’s the one who technically scored the goal. We all know it’s about the assist.
Mesut Özil has registered at least one assist in 10 of his last 11 Premier League appearances.
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) December 21, 2015
And the German soon laid on a second, with Giroud making it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.
https://twitter.com/FFArsenal/status/679042294624993281
But they could easily have extended their lead.
Arsenal had so many men over, they should have scored. It's also the exact clip people show in disbelief when Arsenal concede on the break
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) December 21, 2015
And it looked like they could be made to pay as Touré stroked home a delightful finish eight minutes from time.
https://twitter.com/_Zeets/status/679053902768029696
Just after we’d all written him off, too…
The decline of Yaya Toure has been really rapid. Some signs last season but this season he has looked well off the pace.
— Adam Brandon (@AdamBrandon84) December 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/RUDAS_ISKARIOT/status/679053500614107136
But Arsene Wenger’s side held firm to seal victory, their third in a row in the Premier League, to return to within touching distance of leaders Leicester City.
Massive win for arsenal. Defensive frailties still, but questions over keeper and mentality answered for first time in years
— Jonny Singer (@Jonny_Singer) December 21, 2015
Arsenal played eight games in all comps v City, Chelsea, Utd in 2015. Five wins, one loss. Some up-turn from Wenger. Now must press it home.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) December 21, 2015
