Paul Merson gives two reasons Man City were 'perfect' vs title rivals Arsenal

Former Arsenal player Paul Merson suggested Manchester City are 'head and shoulders' above every team in the Premier League when they play at their best.

Pep Guardiola's side secured a crucial 4-1 victory over title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday night, with Kevin De Bruyne (2), John Stones and Erling Haaland all on target for the Blues. The result saw the reigning champions move within two points of the Gunners with two games in hand.

It was one of City's strongest performances of the season, and Guardiola's men were praised for their impressive showing at the Etihad. Should the Blues win their two games in hand, they will move four points clear of the London outfit in the top-flight table.

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Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson - who made over 350 appearances for Arsenal - claimed City were in a league of their own when they show up and perform at their best as he praised their ability to set traps and win the ball back quickly against the Gunners.

"I think we've got give credit to Man City, when Man City play well and they play like that, they're head and shoulders above everybody else," he said. "I don't think anyone touches them, they were all over Arsenal. Everything they did was perfect, they were showing them [Arsenal] down alleys, nicking the ball off them, they couldn't keep it for four or five passes.

"You've got to give Man City credit for that. It reminded me of Barcelona when they were at their pomp, when they used to do the five or six second close-down, get the ball back quickly.

"I'm not going to sit here and have a go at Arsenal, I think what they have done is unbelievable, but no one can match this team when they play like that."

The Blues