De Bruyne inspires City to cruise past Arsenal and take pole position in title race
In one of the division’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures in recent history, both sides knew a victory would see them take control of the title race going into the final weeks of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who were eight points clear at the start of the month, came into the contest on the back of three consecutive draws, while defending champions City looked to build on an impressive 16-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
The opening stages were played within a thunderous atmosphere befitting the occasion, and it was the hosts who found an immediate breakthrough within seven minutes.
A brilliant piece of hold-up play from Haaland released De Bruyne, who advanced to the edge of the box, before sweeping a clinical finish beyond Aaron Ramsdale to give City the lead.
Having won six consecutive league home matches by at least a two-goal margin, the Citizens continued to stamp their authority on proceedings during a one-sided opening half-hour, as De Bruyne and Haaland both came close to doubling the hosts’ advantage.
For all City’s dominance, a number of gilt-edged chances continued to go begging, with Haaland twice denied by Ramsdale, while the Norwegian talisman saw another effort fly narrowly wide of the post.
Despite their profligacy in front of goal, the hosts’ perseverance was finally rewarded on the stroke of half-time, as Stones ghosted in at the back post to head home from a pinpoint De Bruyne free-kick.
Faced with a daunting two-goal deficit, Arsenal emerged after the restart desperate to gain a foothold in the contest.
However, it was City who added a third before the hour mark, as Haaland threaded a neat pass into the path of De Bruyne, who finished with ease into the bottom corner.
That effectively knocked the stuffing out of the Gunners, allowing the hosts to cruise through large spells of the second half.
A late fightback of similar ilk to the one they produced against Southampton last week never looked likely, although Rob Holding did slot home a consolation for the Gunners.
It was too little, too late for Arsenal though as Haaland finally got in on the act in stoppage time, handing the title advantage to Pep Guardiola's rampant team who are honing in on a third consecutive Premier League crown and a historic treble.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)