Gary Neville praised Arsenal for tearing Manchester City to shreds in Sunday's 5-1 victory. Mikel Arteta's side led 1-0 at the break through Martin Odegaard, only for Erling Haaland to equalise 10 minutes after the restart. The Gunners didn't look back after two quickfire second-half goals, though, with Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri all on target. Those last four goals came in the space of 35 second-half minutes, and Neville - on commentary for Sky Sports - was blown away by their dominance. "Arsenal have torn them to shreds," the former Manchester United defender said.

"They've torn them to shreds in the last 25 minutes," he continued. "Nwaneri was brilliant since coming in. Stunned. Emphatic from Arsenal.". Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson was similarly impressed by the Gunners' dominance. “Arsenal have had fun and they have enjoyed it," he said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “Arsenal had to work hard for it, but I think they have got a good team spirit. They have a good understanding of how to manage the game. Arsenal have certain gears what they use when the time is right.”.

The win helped Arsenal put to bed the ghosts of the reverse fixture in September when John Stones scored an equaliser deep into stoppage-time. It took them back within six points of Liverpool, who play their game in hand against Everton on February 12, and lifted the Gunners nine points clear of City in the table. Was this Arsenal's best performance under Mikel Arteta? Have your say in the comments section.

"It’s so important Arsenal made a statement today and they’ve done just that," Neville added. "Mikel Arteta has to get that intensity and tempo from the last 30 minutes for the rest of the season. Hang in there. Be there if Liverpool fall.". Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher was similarly impressed. "Great day for Arsenal," he said. "We said before they were still lacking statement results a title winner would have. But going down to 10 men against Wolves and winning, and demolishing the champions in a game that looked in the balance.

"Arsenal looked a completely different team once it got to 2-1. They’re going to need that if they’re going to wrestle that title back. As soon as the game got faster Man City can’t cope with it.". City will need to find an immediate response, with two very different cup ties on the horizon. They're up against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, followed by a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.

Arsenal are out of the FA Cup, but have the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final next up. They'll need to overturn a two-goal deficit against Newcastle if they're to make the final, where Tottenham or Liverpool will provide the opposition. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.