Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League on Wednesday night with a brilliant 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Pep Guardiola reacts during Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
City took the lead in the 24th minute when Kevin De Bruyne capitalised on a Takehiro Tomiyasu mistake to lob Aaron Ramsdale. The Gunners found themselves level just before the interval as Bukayo Saka converted a penalty after Ederson had fouled Eddie Nketiah.
Jack Grealish scored the all-important second goal in the 72nd minute, finishing off a slick move thanks to a slight deflection. Erling Haaland would wrap up the points ten minutes later converting a De Bruyne cross to celebrate wildly in front of the travelling away supporters.
Here are a few moments you might have missed from the match….
Guardiola’s warm reunions
Pep Guardiola was not just able to enjoy a victory which sent his team to the top of the Premier League last night. The Catalan boss also had the pleasure of a reunion with three of his former players.
First up was Bacary Sagna who Guardiola stopped to have a chat with before being interviewed by another ex-City full-back Gael Clichy who was doing punditry work for Amazon Prime. His most poignant encounter came at full time when he shared a good-natured conversation with Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus, who is currently injured, left the Blues in the summer but there was clearly no ill will between the two men as Guardiola gave the striker a peck on the cheek.
This moment between Pep Guardiola & Gabriel Jesus after full-time at the Emirates 🤗#PLonPrime #ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/GWnmwPWwKO
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 15, 2023
De Bruyne’s less-than-warm reception
De Bruyne kicks away a bottle that was thrown at him
The Belgian maestro was more than deserving of the man of the match award he received from Amazon Prime having grabbed a goal and assist in the top-of-the-table clash. However, this warm affection from the broadcaster was not reciprocated by a minority of fans in the home end.
Objects were thrown at De Bruyne as he made his way around the pitch after being substituted in the dying moments of the contest.
De Bruyne and Haaland exchange views
De Bruyne applauds the City fans after being substituted vs Arsenal
Despite going top of the Premier League, De Bruyne and Haaland showcased the sort of standards that will be needed to keep them there. The two men appeared to have a brief but frank exchange of views as they left the field following celebrations.
Haaland’s gestures appeared to be about the types of crosses and passes he might want to receive from his midfield teammate.
source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk