Arsenal came out on top in the battle of Premier League title favourites as goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Leicester City will top the table at Christmas, but Monday’s clash could be pivotal in the title race as Arsene Wenger’s side leapfrogged City into second.
Walcott’s stunning effort – Arsenal’s first shot on target – lit up a cagey first period, and Giroud neatly converted their second on the stroke of half-time to give the hosts a comfortable cushion.
Sergio Aguero was subdued on his return to lead the City attack, lasting 63 minutes on his first outing in five games.
Yaya Toure reduced the arrears with 10 minutes to go with an astonishing strike, but City’s late charge fell flat and they have now failed to win any of their last five away games in the league.