Manuel Akanji: Title-chasing Manchester City can’t relax after Arsenal victory

Manuel Akanji insists there will be no complacency at Manchester City following their emphatic win over title rivals Arsenal.

The treble-chasing champions took firm control of the title race as they overpowered the Premier League leaders 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The victory took them within two points of the Gunners at the top and, with two games in hand, they now look strong favourites to secure their fifth league crown in six years.

“It was a big game and a massive win for us,” said defender Akanji. “It helps us a lot but there’s still so many games to play.

“Seven games – still 21 points to grab so we can’t relax now on this win. We’ve got to go on Sunday and win the next game against Fulham.”

Arsenal had seen their once-healthy advantage eroded with three successive draws heading into the hotly-anticipated encounter.

City, having hit form with 11 wins in their previous 12 games in all competitions, not only sensed their opportunity but ruthlessly took it.

They tore into the visitors from the first whistle and took the lead as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne combined for a superb breakaway goal after seven minutes.

John Stones added a second just before the break but City might have already been out of sight by then with Haaland having spurned a host of chances.

Goals from De Bruyne, Stones and Haaland put Arsenal to the sword in @premierleague title clash!