Theo Walcott’s first Premier League goal since September arrived in style, and at the perfect time for Arsenal to give them an advantage over Manchester City in tonight’s top-of-the-table showdown.
The England forward was deployed on the left flank by Arsene Wenger, but took the opportunity to come inside and ferociously whip this shot beyond international teammate Joe Hart on 33 minutes.
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Mesut Ozil clocked up yet another assist with the pass into Walcott – he now has 14 for the season – but credit must go to the Arsenal speedster for a brilliant finish worthy of the occasion.
Although he had previously been on a three-month top-flight goal drought, Walcott has spent much of that period sidelined by injury, and actually has 13 league strikes in his last 17 starts.
Olivier Giroud is in equally good form and bagged his 12th goal in 14 games in all competitions before the break to put Arsenal in firm control by half time – Ozil inevitably supplying the assist again.
The Gunners are on track to go four points clear of the Citizens in second. Leicester City will be top on Christmas Day, but Arsenal may be title favourites if they can see out this blockbuster victory.
Half-time: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester City
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