Manchester City showed their class in the Premier League on Sunday, dismantling a lackluster Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates, largely driven by De Bruyne's exceptional play.
Manchester City continued typical assistance in the Premier League as a masterful display by Bruyne terminated them to a 3-0 victory over a lethargic Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
The game was essentially over by halftime, with De Bruyne orchestrating the attack to net two superb goals and set up Raheem Sterling for the third.
City cruised through the second half, managing the game with ease and avoiding any unnecessary risks, leaving Ljungberg's side looking entirely overwhelmed for the duration of the match.
There was a sense of restraint among the visiting fans, as the champions remain 14 points behind Liverpool after a dip in form. On the bright side, they've narrowed the distance to second place to four points just before their next big clash.
They did, however, close the goal on 2nd place City to 4 points in front of their clash one week from now.
It was a dismal day for Arsenal, who recorded only six shots—a home low not seen since 2008. Currently 9th in the table with 22 points, they are seven points off the top four and seem to be spiraling.
Since the departure of Unai Emery, Ljungberg has only won one of five matches. Halfway through the campaign, the North London side looks lost, sitting almost equidistant between the Champions League spots and the relegation zone.
Pep Guardiola surprisingly noted that last week's 2-1 loss to Manchester United was a better team performance. Arsenal have now gone six home games without a win, though they almost scored in the first minute through a burst from Gabriel Martinelli.
City were already leading 2-0 by the 16th minute, slicing through the defense effortlessly. After a quick exchange with Jesus, De Bruyne found Sterling, who was left unmarked to calmly slot the ball past Leno.
Just before the whistle for halftime, with Arsenal reduced to 10 men after Sead Kolasinac was forced off injured, City extended their lead to 3-0. De Bruyne found space once again to fire a precise left-footed shot inside the post.
As many frustrated Arsenal supporters left early for coffee or headed home, they missed a moment of brilliance from Leno, who saved a curling effort from De Bruyne that clipped the post, denying the Belgian a first-half hat-trick.