Manchester City came into Saturday's match against Arsenal in hopes of continuing their dominance at home and they did just that in a convincing 6-3 win. An early volley by Sergio Aguero gave the Citizens the lead just 14 minutes in, but Arsene Wenger's side quickly responded as two of the Premier League's title favorites went head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium.
Theo Walcott equalized in the 31st minute for Arsenal, but City kept their composure and responded jus eight minutes later after a well-timed cross by Pablo Zabaleta found Alvaro Negredo for a tap-in score from three yards out. Arsenal failed to respond before the break as the Citizens held a 2-1 lead.
The second half started with a major injury blow to Manuel Pellegrini's attack as Sergio Aguero went down in the 46th minute before being subbed off for Jesus Navas. The Argentinian's setback came at the worst possible time for the Citizens, but they quickly picked up the attack once again and Fernandinho added to the lead in the 50th minute with his first goal since coming to the Premier League from Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk this past summer.
The Brazilian midfielder has made an immediate impact at the Etihad Stadium this season next to Yaya Toure and his first goal in Manchester sparked a strong second half performance from City. Down by two goals, the Gunners were in desperate need of a response and Theo Walcott answered once again with a wonderful curling effort in the 63rd minute that beat the outstretched arms of Costel Pantilimon.
Walcott's rallying strike looked to get Arsenal back on track, but an effective counter-attack from City in the later stages of the second half put away the Premier League leaders for good. David Silva, who recently returned from a stint on the sidelines due to injury, gave the Citizens a 4-2 lead in the 66th minute to put the match out of reach.
Manchester City continued their dominance into the final minutes on Saturday, much to the liking of Pellegrini, and Fernandinho added to his big day in the 88th minute to make it 5-2 City. Both clubs capitalized in extra time as Per Mertesacker netted Arsenal's third goal of the day before Yaya Toure connected from the penalty spot after a late challenge by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny on James Milner.
A 6-3 route at the Etihad Stadium and the Citizens are now just three points back of Arsenal as we reach a pivotal stage of the Premier League season.
The Gunners will now move on to another tough test as they face Jose Mourinho's Chelsea just two days before Christmas. Manchester City, on the other hand, will take their top form to Leicester City on Tuesday for a Capitol One Cup clash before meeting Fulham next Saturday.
