Arsenal hero admits title is ‘done and dusted’ as Man City celebrate ‘like they won Champions League’

Arsenal’s title hopes could be over after Manchester City celebrated their 4-1 victory like winning the Champions League.

That was the verdict from former Arsenal star Perry Groves, speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.

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City were rampant against the Gunners, racing into an early lead through Kevin De Bruyne and peppering Aaron Ramsdale with shot after shot at the Etihad.

Eventually, the home side doubled the lead just before half-time – or so they thought – when Stones saw his magnificent header chalked off for offside.

A quick look at VAR appeared to show the defender miles offside but a closer gander and it showed Ben White’s foot playing the Englishman on.

As the goal was given, City celebrated wildly and ex-Arsenal winger Groves said live on air: “When the goal was given, you would have thought that City had just won the Champions League.

“Bernardo Silva went and celebrated with the fans, Manuel Akanji jumped onto John Stones, Kyle Walker was running around like a headless chicken.

“That just shows you how revved up City are for this game because you would have thought they had just won the Champions League.”

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There were similar scenes at full-time as De Bruyne netted again and Erling Haaland got on the scoresheet either side of a consolation from Rob Holding.

Former City boss Stuart Pearce, who said: “Arsenal will be shell-shocked.”

“They’ve been outplayed and out-thought. Man City have been better at everything. 

In truth, Pep Guardiola’s men cruised to victory and could have added plenty more goals if not for Aaron Ramsdale’s heroics.

Arsenal’s backline, missing William Saliba, was hopelessly open while City are now just two points behind them with two games in hand.

And Groves reckons that the title might be heading back to Manchester again, adding: “I think the title race is done and dusted.

“It sends a message to Real Madrid as well. City are the best team in Europe right now.

“It could’ve been seven or eight. It was a complete and utter lesson.”

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City also have high hopes of actually winning the Champions League and face Real Madrid next month in the semi-finals.

The treble is also in their sights as they face Manchester United in the FA Cup final soon in the first all-Manchester finale.