Manchester City fought back from being a goal down against Arsenal at the Etihad to win 2-1 and jump to second in the English Premier League. Arsene Wenger’s side raced into the lead in the fifth minute of the game through Theo Walcott’s strike, but a blunt display from the Gunners in the second half allowed City to get back in the contest.
Teenage sensation Leroy Sane scored his first goal since his big-money move to Manchester in the summer to level scores. Raheem Sterling scored the winner to complete a spirited display from Pep Guardiola’s side, who have struggled against Arsenal in recent seasons.
Tottenham Hotspur also registered a comeback win with Delle Alli and Danny Rose giving Mauricio Pochettino’s side three points. Southampton also overturned a 0-1 deficit to beat Bournemouth at Dean Court, inspired by a Jay Rodriguez brace.
City break Arsenal jinx
The Sky Blues last beat Arsenal three years and four days ago and their modest returns after a flying start to the season looked certain to extend further after Theo Walcott opened the scoring, inside five minutes.
Just when it looked like it would turn out to be another frustrating evening for Guardiola and his men, an inspiring second-half display turned the tide for the two-time champions. City put the Arsenal backline under considerable amount of pressure. The home side were fortunate to have a touch-and-go offside call go their way, and Sane raced away to bundle the past Petr Cech and help his side get back in the game.
A fine long pass from Kevin de Bruyne was finished in style by Sterling with his left foot. When it mattered, Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil once again went missing for his side, who slipped to fourth in the table.
Spurs keep pace in the Top Four race
Controversy surrounded the Tottenham Hotspur-Burnley contest as Moussa Sissoko stayed on the pitch despite making a dangerous, studs-high challenge on Stephen Ward. Just minutes later, the French midfielder crossed the ball for Danny Rose to smash home the winner.
Spurs’ lazy work at the back allowed Burnley to take the lead through Ashley Barnes. Spurs equalised six minutes later through the influential Delle Alli.
Brief scores
- Manchester City 2 (Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling) beat Arsenal 1 (Theo Walcott)
- Bournemouth 1 (Nathan Ake) lose to Southampton 3 (Ryan Bertrand, Jay Rodriguez x 2)
- Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Delle Alli, Danny Rose) beat Burnley 1 (Ashley Barnes)
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