Arsenal handed new Premier League title race reality as Man City truth becomes clear

The Gunners continued their incredible start to the season with an impressive 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday, meaning they finished the weekend six points clear at the top

Arsenal were able to consolidate their spot at the top of the Premier League table following their 2-0 win over newly promoted side Burnley.

Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice found the back of the net to ensure Mikel Arteta's side of an important three points on the road, as the Gunners' title rivals kept up their early title assault.

The win leaves Arsenal six points clear of their title rivals after 10 top-flight fixtures, but the reality is Manchester City and Liverpool aren't going to give up easily, as both got back to winning ways this weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side ran out 3-1 winners against Bournemouth, with Erling Haaland grabbing a brace either side of a Tyler Adams strike for Andoni Iraola's side.

Defender Nico O'Reilly added a third on the hour mark to put the result beyond any doubt as Man City moved up to second in the table.

The comfortable win over an impressive Bournemouth side is the clearest evidence yet that it is true Guardiola's men are getting back to their imperious best and will pose Arsenal a serious title threat this season.

"I like the team for many things and I give incredible credit to the victory because Bournemouth are in a good phase," Guardiola said at his post-match media briefing.

"They had only lost one game. They play minute one and minute 95 in the same rhythm. If you are not clever and lose sloppy balls, in transition, nobody can stop them - Brooks and Semenyo are top-class players.

"The talent we had behind the lines, especially Erling, made the difference. We embraced the challenge that they do. We tried to play the game that always we tried to do with a lot of passes and find the right moment but it was difficult for us because they are so aggressive and they have so much energy.

"Hopefully Arsenal can concede a goal one day. It’s not easy to face them. I had the feeling since the World Cup that we were in a good moment.

"It’s just 10 games, still 28 to play. Many things are going to happen but the important feeling is to be better and better."

Elsewhere, Liverpool stopped their torrid run of winless games with a 2-0 win over Aston Villla at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch found the back of the net for Arne Slot's side to get the Reds back on track after a disappointing few weeks.

They, like Manchester City, are six points adrift of the Gunners and up to third after the win over Unai Emery's side, but both clubs could drop down a spot if Sunderland defeat Everton at the Stadium of Light this evening.

Arsenal are set to face the Black Cats next weekend ahead of the next international break and Arteta will be keeping a close eye over his shoulder in the early days of the title race.

There may be another 28 games to play this season, but the Gunners are in the early driving seat.