Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden were on the scoresheet in a composed display against the Gunners, who had David Luiz sent off after 48 minutes.
On a landmark day for English football, the game began with a powerful message, as players from both teams took a knee immediately before kick-off to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
In a much changed matchday environment, it was business as usual for City, with Sterling capitalising on a Luiz error to drive home the opener on the stroke of half-time, before De Bruyne doubled our lead from the penalty spot after the Brazilian was dismissed for hauling down Riyad Mahez.
Foden fired into an empty in the first minute of 11 added on, after a lengthy stoppage for an Eric Garcia injury, to wrap up the three points.
Man of the Match - kyle walker
A solid defensive display up against Arsenal’s talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but it was going forward where he shone brightest.
His powerful running caused the Gunners’ defence numerous problems and created space for his team-mates to exploit.
What it means
We have strengthened our grip on second place with this victory, which puts us seven points clear of third placed Leicester City after 29 games.
Next up
As will be the case for the remainder of the season, it is a quick turn around for City, who are back in action against Burnley in five days’ time.
We host the Clarets in what is their first game back after the restart on Monday 22 June, with kick-off at 20:00 (UK).
That game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, but if you can’t tune in there you can follow it live in our Matchday Centre here on mancity.com, where you can also watch our live matchday show, We’re Not Really Here, providing all the pre-match build up and post-match reaction.
