Etihad chief got one over early on Unai Emery as the Gunners started post-Arsene Wenger life with defeat
THEY are defending champions. They played like champions.
Manchester City, who finished last season with 100 points, brushed Arsenal aside at the Emirates.
The feel-good factor, the beginning of the post-Wenger era under their new man Unai Emery, did not last very long.
Raheem Sterling, 18 goals in the Premier League for City last season, scored his opener here after just 14 minutes.
They were made to wait for the next, scored 64 minutes in by Bernardo Silva after a lovely exchange between Benjamin Mendy and Sterling on the edge of the area.
City, well aware that Liverpool had battered West Ham 4-0 at Anfield earlier in the day, sliced Arsenal apart at will.
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At the back John Stones, keeping his place at the heart of City’s defence, was excellent. He was not alone.
They exposed Arsenal, picking them off at will to record their first win of the new season in the Premier League.
City, strengthening their hand with the arrival of Riyad Mahrez, remain the leading team in English football.
For Arsenal to catch up with them, it will take more than a change of manager.
Emery, in charge of his competitive game as Arsenal head coach, made some mistakes along the way.
The decision to play the French kid Matteo Guendouzi in the centre of midfield, up against the formidable duo of Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho, was one of them. He was overwhelmed in there.
So, too, were the rest of this Arsenal team.
Man City fan Noel Gallagher enjoyed the view from the posh seats
There was a familar look to this failing Arsenal side
City took the lead when Mendy fed Sterling and his run across the box gave him to pop the opener beyond Petr Cech.
Silva’s goal was special, the end of a clever combination between Sterling and Mendy on the edge of the area.
When that went in, there was no way back for Arsenal.
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