Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table after defeating Arsenal 3-1 in a top of the table clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Guardiola’s squad demonstrated their unwillingness to relinquish the title with a ruthless finishing performance that lifted them above Arsenal in goal differential.

Kevin De Bruyne gave City the lead at the Emirates Stadium in the first half, and despite Bukayo Saka’s controversial penalty equalizer, Jack Grealish restored the visitors’ lead in the second half.

Erling Haaland’s 26th goal in 22 league appearances for City put an end to the game against Arsenal.

In the most anticipated Premier League matchup of the year, City took the lead in the title race.

Even though Arsenal has a game in hand that could swing the balance back in their favor, City returned home with renewed confidence that they can win their fifth championship in six years.

“In the first half, they were much better than us. My tactics were horrible. Second half, we were much, much better,” Guardiola said.

“At half-time, we said we were not playing, just defending because they were so good, but we should be more active and the second half was excellent.”

Guardiola’s team, which trailed Arsenal by eight points a month ago, has won four of its last five league games, while Arsenal has faltered.

The Premier League charged City last week with more than 100 violations of its financial rules between 2009 and 2018. As a result, City’s title defense is taking place under a dark cloud.

City is scheduled to host Arsenal on April 26 in what is shaping up to be a do-or-die matchup for both clubs.

“OK, now we are top of the league, but Arsenal have one game in hand. Winning or losing, you have a lot of games to play, but of course coming here and winning against that team is good,” Guardiola said.

Arsenal, seeking its first Premier League title since 2003-04, was unable to overcome City’s battle-hardened stars.

The team of Mikel Arteta has failed to win their last four games in all competitions, losing to City in the FA Cup before suffering an unexpected loss at Everton and drawing with Brentford on Saturday.

“It’s exceptionally difficult to play at the level City require you to play at. If you give three goals away, if you miss the big chances we did, the margin for error is virtually zero,” Arteta said.

“We did a lot of simple things wrong. It’s impossible against them. We had an opportunity today and we just gave them the game. It was decided in the two boxes.”