Manchester City returned to Premier League action against Arsenal as England’s top-flight resumed on Wednesday after a three-month suspension due to the coronavirus.
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The Citizens, showing no signs of being rusty in front of goal, shot three goals past Arsenal ahead of sealing a clinical 3-0 win at the Etihad, staving off Liverpool title celebrations this Sunday as, even if The Reds secure a win in their fixture at Everton, will still be left needing six points to finally wrap up the title.
In the case of The Sky Blues, defender Eric Garcia was taken to hospital after suffering a potentially traumatic head injury, who as a surprise starter, left the field on a stretcher in the closing stages having had lengthy treatment following a thumping collision with his own goalkeeper, Ederson. Discussing this after the game, City boss Pep Guardiola admitted he was concerned over the 19-year-old’s condition.
“We are concerned about Eric of course. He is conscious, but I think he is going to be tested because a kick in the head is always so dangerous,” explained Guardiola. “The doctor told me he was conscious … I’m pretty sure we’re going to do absolutely everything to be sure that everything is fine and well. I think after what happened, he may be in the hospital for one or two nights.
The highly-rated centre-half was making only his third Premier League start, partnering Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the City defence, having been preferred over Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho and John Stones. A Raheem Sterling strike in the first half followed by two second-half strikes, including in injury time, courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, saw the hosts breeze past the Gunners and making it a night to forget for former City assistant turned Emirates boss, Mikel Arteta. The result see Guardiola’s side open up a seven-point gap over third-placed Leicester, while they are a mammoth 22 points behind the runaway leaders Liverpool.
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