(Football news) Manchester City reclaimed the top spot on the Premier League table after a 3-0 win over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. The reigning champions had a frustrating first half but City upped the ante in the second, getting the breakthrough in the 53rd minute through Riyad Mahrez whose shot was deflected off Joel Veltman and looped over keeper Robert Sanchez. As luck would have it, City’s second goal also came through a deflection as Phil Foden’s shot in the 65th minute went off a defender and into the bottom corner. Bernardo Silva scored the third goal eight minutes from time, ensuring a comfortable victory for his team.

Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola said “It was an incredibly good result against a team that beat Arsenal and Tottenham away. We didn't concede a lot and we were incredibly aggressive. We showed ourselves that we are a decent team when we do what we have to do. If we drop just two points Liverpool will be champions. And if we win all our games we will be champions. There are really tough fixtures ahead of us. When he [De Bruyne] is mentally ready and fit he is a player who is incredibly special. It was an incredible performance. Some people aren't pleased when we lose but I am always pleased with my players. We have had six years together and the last five have been outstanding. Sometimes we can win, we can lose, but we give everything." 

Meanwhile at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal defeated Chelsea 4-2 and reignited their hopes for a potential top 4 finish. The Gunners took the lead twice through Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe while Chelsea responded with a deflected goal from Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta as both the teams finished the first half on level terms. However, the visitors took the lead once again in the second half with Nketiah scoring his second and Arsenal’s third and Bukayo Saka sealed the win by scoring the fourth from the spot after being fouled by Azpilicueta. The result meant that Arsenal ended their three consecutive defeat run in the Premier League and moved level on points with fourth place Tottenham.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said “I said to the players, if you want to be playing Champions League football, you have to go to these stadiums and beat the top teams. So they have done it and I'm really proud of them, but I'm more proud of how we've reacted as a group in the past weeks. That gives me more energy to be here. What I love is the spirit of these players. When you lose matches, you get punished, you get criticised but for these players I don't care because it's so worth it. They are phenomenal people and as a group they are really growing. To win a London derby away from home and how we did it, I am really happy." 

Also read: Fulham secure promotion into the Premier League after win over Preston