Manchester City's two-goal hero Kevin De Bruyne says he exploited Arsenal's attackers and their failure to help out defensively on Sunday.
A first-half masterclass from the Belgian midfielder inspired the reigning Premier League champions to a comfortable victory over a hapless the Gunners.
De Bruyne struck after just 89 seconds before teeing up Raheem Sterling and adding the third himself as he moved on to four goals across his last five City appearances.
And, following the victory, De Bruyne was quick to criticise Arsenal trio Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe - who all started in attack for the defeated hosts.
Asked if he was surprised by Arsenal giving City’s attackers so much space, De Bruyne said: "We saw up front in the videos… the attackers they try to press up but when we pass their front four they really don’t help the Arsenal defence.
"So they always stay with four up front, except [Gabriel] Martinelli who comes [back] a little bit more.
"So we always get spaces somewhere over the pitch.
"I think it’s really difficult for the six defenders to control that because obviously you can come from everywhere on the pitch.
"I think they left some open spaces and we exploited them really well. Obviously, when you’re 3-0 up it makes the game a little bit more easier for us."
De Bruyne was unplayable in the first half, thumping home a side-footed opener from outside the area and then making it 3-0 with a silky finish just before half-time.
He was denied a hat-trick before the break when his curler was tipped acrobatically against the post by Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.
The Belgian also provided the assist for Raheem Sterling's goal.
"Kevin sees situations and passes that others don't," manager Pep Guardiola said.
"He makes incredible goals and it's an incredible victory after what has happened and our position."
