De Bruyne rises to the occasion again for superb City

MANCHESTER: Like a dad who had been letting his kid win a few games in the garden, Kevin De Bruyne decided it was time to get serious and put the youngster in his place on Wednesday as he led Manchester City's schooling of Arsenal with a sumptuous performance.

The classy midifielder scored twice and set up another as City’s 4-1 win made the Premier League standings look a nonsense and showed the pretenders to their throne just how far they still have to go - even if they do still sit top of the league by two points, having played two more games.

Arsenal came into the match stuttering from three draws while City, like all the great teams, were girding their loins for the last big push when the trophies are decided.

And it was the Belgian midfielder who set the tone and then maintained it as City really should have reached halftime four or five up instead of 2-0.

His first goal after seven minutes was full of intent as he collected a neat ball from Erling Haaland and immediately drove through a retreating Arsenal defence then deliciously curled a low show just inside the post.

He then delivered a pin-point free kick for John Stones to head the second while his own second was one of his trademark “how did he do that?” specials having initially won the ball back in the centre circle.

Looking as if he was taking a touch of control, with virtually no backlift, he poked the ball between defender Rob Holding's legs to catch goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale cold after Haaland again turned provider in a combination that Arsenal had no answer to.

As is becoming the norm, De Bruyne was withdrawn by manager Pep Guardiola, as ever, looking disgruntled at the decision, as Holden pulled one back for the visitors before Haaland ensured City finished