Manchester City exposed the first cracks in Arsenal's title challenge, beating the Premier League leaders 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium as their attacking talents cut loose in another free-scoring home display on Saturday.
City's stylish showmen sealed their eighth consecutive home league success by out-punching Arsenal, whose previously watertight defence was prised open at will by the hosts' marauding all-out attack.
It was the third time this season that City scored six or more, after they dished out similarly crushing blows to Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, and cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to three points.
"At times the tempo was frightening," City captain Vincent Kompany told BT Sport.
"We looked to be in control of the game for most of it. There were no standout individual performances but collectively we've done incredibly well.
"I don't know so much about messages. The biggest message is if we beat Fulham next.
"It is a real fortress here."
City, whose early opener from Sergio Aguero was cancelled out by Theo Walcott, opened up a two-goal lead with Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho efforts either side of halftime.
Arsenal briefly rallied with a superb second from Walcott, but David Silva restored the two-goal lead from close range and Fernandinho poked home his second to maintain City's 100 percent home league record.
Even Per Mertesacker's late consolation for Arsenal was trumped by City as Yaya Toure stroked in a stoppage time penalty.
Chelsea, who dropped to fourth, host Crystal Palace later on Saturday when victory would leave them two points behind Arsenal. Third-placed Liverpool, also five points behind Arsenal, visit sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
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