Arsenal breathed new life into their fading Premier League title hopes with a morale-boosting win over Manchester City on home soil.

They went into the match knowing that defeat would give them a mountain to climb, but a ruthless display saw them earn all three points in emphatic fashion.

Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after just 104 seconds, with City being made to pay for surrendering the ball in a dangerous area. Moments later, Kai Havertz wasted a huge chance to double Arsenal’s lead with a glaring miss from close range.

The visitors equalised through Erling Haaland after the break, with the towering Norwegian rising highest to head home. Thomas Partey regained the lead for Arsenal just 28 seconds later, finding the far corner with the help of a deflection.

Myles Lewis-Skelly added a third just after the hour mark, with Havertz later making amends for his earlier miss by getting a goal of his own.

Ethan Nwaneri grabbed a brilliant fifth in the dying seconds of stoppage time, finding the net with a curling effort to add some extra gloss to the scoreline.

Express Sport brings you the Arsenal player ratings on a memorable day for the Gunners…

Arsenal player ratings vs Man City

David Raya – 7

Made a stunning save to deny Josko Gvardiol a headed goal from a corner, tipping it onto the crossbar at full stretch. Also got down well to stop Savinho from scoring despite being unsighted. Was unfortunate to concede in the second half.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Struggled a bit in the first half with City having some joy down his side of the pitch. Got booked for taking out Savinho, leaving himself walking a tightrope. Improved after the break and chipped in with some important blocks.

William Saliba – 6

Moved the ball smartly to help Arsenal beat the press and build attacks from the back. Was outmuscled by Haaland for the equaliser and should really have done more to win the header, but it did not matter in the end.

Gabriel – 7

Was clearly fired up, getting in Haaland’s face after the opening goal. Did his defensive duties well enough and was particularly solid in the air, helping to keep City’s chances to a minimum.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 9

Was certainly not afraid to put himself about, winning most of his battles against bigger and stronger players. Took his goal exceptionally well, showing composure beyond his tender years. His strongest showing to date.

Thomas Partey – 9

Used his immense physicality and smart positioning to snuff out attacks. Produced a moment of magic from outside the box to regain the lead for Arsenal, albeit with the help of a deflection. One of his side’s best performers.

Declan Rice – 8

Was in the right place at the right time to feed Havertz in the build-up to the opening goal. Covered plenty of ground, bombing forward to support attacks and tracking back to defend. His strong pressing kept Arsenal on the front foot.

Martin Odegaard – 8

Produced a fine finish to open the scoring and was unlucky not to get an assist just moments later. Ran the show in midfield, dropping deep to help out in defence when required. Booked for losing his temper but otherwise led by example.

Leandro Trossard – 7

Started the move which led to the early goal with some great pressing to nick the ball off Akanji. Worked hard to make things happen in the final third before he was replaced late on.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

Had the ball in the net minutes after the opening goal but saw his strike ruled out for offside. Went a bit quiet after that and struggled to have the sort of impact he would have liked.

Kai Havertz – 7

Unselfishly squared the ball to Odegaard for the opening goal but missed a golden chance to equalise after another City mistake, not even hitting the target despite having so much time. Made amends with a fine finish in the closing stages.

Substitutes

Ethan Nwaneri – 7

Looked lively after coming on for Leandro Trossard and was rewarded with a goal of the highest quality.

Mikel Merino – 6

Did his job well enough after replacing Martin Odegaard.

Raheem Sterling – n/a

A late addition.

Riccardo Calafiori – n/a

A late addition.