By David Awopetu
Manchester City increased the pressure on Mikel Arteta as the League Cup holders powered into the semi-finals with a 4-1 demolition of troubled Arsenal on Tuesday night.
City ensured it will be a miserable Christmas for beleaguered Arsenal boss Arteta by condemning his side to a fourth defeat in their last six games in all competitions.
There were barely two minutes on the clock when Gabriel Jesus nodded City ahead, the Brazil forward completely unmarked inside the six-yard area when he met Oleksandr Zinchenko’s cross.
The Gunners were desperate for the first 25 minutes, French defender Aymeric Laporte heading a great chance wide before the hosts levelled with their first serious attempt.
Nineteen-year-old Brazilian forward, Gabriel Martinelli, provided an excellent cross for Alexandre Lacazette to head home but City scored twice in five second-half minutes to seal victory.
Keeper Runar Alex Runarsson allowed Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick to squirm through his gloves and into the net before Phil Foden added the third with a dink over Arsenal’s Iceland stopper.
Foden looked offside after Fernandinho’s pass but with no video assistant referee system in operation, the goal was allowed to stand.
There was nothing controversial about City’s fourth goal, Laporte meeting Foden’s lovely curling cross to head home unmarked.
City, seeking a fourth successive EFL Cup triumph, join Championship Brentford in the semi-final draw which will be made following Everton’s tie with Manchester United on Wednesday.
