Manchester City were on the receiving end of a surprise Champions League drubbing as they were thrashed 4-1 by Sporting CP on Tuesday evening.
Whilst Arsenal are preparing to take on Inter Milan in a Champions League clash at the San Siro this evening, Manchester City will still be licking their wounds after the chastening defeat they were dealt by the Portuguese outfit.
Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres netted a hat-trick against Pep Guardiola’s side, whilst the Cityzen’s own star striker, Erling Haaland, failed to find the back of the net, despite being handed the opportunity to do so from the penalty spot.
It was a night that Manchester City fans will want to quickly forget, but Arsenal would be wise to seriously think about the implications of what just happened to their Premier League title rivals.
How Erling Haaland reacted to Man City’s Champions League shocker
If Arsenal are to be crowned Premier League champions this season, then they will need to dethrone Manchester City.
Therefore, Mikel Arteta will be delighted to see that cracks are beginning to show at the Etihad Stadium.
Not only was this result against Sporting CP a shock, but Haaland’s reaction to it spoke volumes.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News: “Haaland was first to slam the ball down on the centre-spot after each goal City conceded, seemingly angry at another strike going against them… That was the kind of disconnect between the forwards that had been going on all night.
“At full-time, Haaland was visibly angry at his performance and the overall situation. While other City players shook hands with the hosts and offered apologetic applause to the fans, Haaland was seen heading briefly to the fans to applaud them before walking straight down the tunnel with minimal post-match pleasantries on the pitch.
“It summed up his night and City’s – the players were just on different pages.”
Manchester City were also beaten last time out in the Premier League. These results suggest that the reigning champions are vulnerable. Arsenal have to be ready to react to this opportunity.
How Arsenal can gain edge over Manchester City in Premier League title race
Arsenal are already at a disadvantage in the Premier League title race this season, as they are falling short of the pace being set by Liverpool, and are trailing in Manchester City’s wake, too.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 25 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 23 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 18 |
| 5 |  ArsenalArsenal | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 18 |
| 6 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 15 | 2 | 18 |
| 7 |  TottenhamTottenham | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
| 8 |  BrightonBrighton | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 16 |
However, Arteta will still be convinced that his side have what it takes to become champions, and there is still plenty of time for the Gunners to recover their lost ground.
However, they will need to immediately and dramatically improve their form. Arsenal also need to strike now, whilst Manchester City are enduring a rare wobble. The North London outfit must press home their advantage by getting points on the board, whilst hoping that the Cityzens will continue to slip.
Arsenal have been tipped to become Premier League champions this season, and they still have an excellent opportunity to deliver on that projection, as long as they can hold up their end of the bargain.
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