SAKA ON TARGET AGAINST CITY

England international Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenalduring their Premier League home encounter with holders Manchester City but it was not enough for the Gunners who were beaten 2-1.

Saka has been one of the most in-form players in the Premier League over the festive period and the England player was at it again when he shot Arsenal into the lead just past the half hour mark. Arsenal were the better side in the first halfand they were rewarded with a goal when England international Saka finished off a flowing move with Scottish left-back Kieran Tierney providing him with the final ball. His goal against the Premier League holders on New Year's Day made it four goals in his last three games in the top flight.Arsenalearlier had a strong penalty appeal that was waved away despite VAR check.The goal from Saka gave Arsenal an advantage at the end of the first half.

The Arsenal advantage from the first half vanished in the 57th minute when Manchester City were awarded a spot kick on the back of a VAR check. Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka was adjudged to have brought down Bernardo Silva and RiyadMahrez tucked away the penalty to level proceedings for the league leaders. Things went from bad to worse for Arsenal when central defender Gabriel Magalhaes was sent off two minutes after the penalty goal for a foul on compatriot Gabriel Jesus. It was the second yellow card of the game after he had been booked during the penalty incident.

With a man advantage, Manchester City took control of the game completely and they eventually found a way through in stoppage time through Spanish international Rodri Hernandez. The goal from Rodri gave the Citizens a priceless win at the end of a difficult game.

The late 2-1 win ensured that Manchester City move eleven (11) points clear at the summit.