Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, capitalising on Arsenal’s shock defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

Second-placed City scored all three goals in the second half to cut Arsenal’s lead to six points, with a game in hand.

After a sluggish first half, Pep Guardiola’s side found their rhythm early in the second period. Rayan Cherki delivered a cross in the 51st minute for Nico O’Reilly to head home the opener.

Cherki turned provider again six minutes later, setting up former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi, who finished calmly to double the lead.

City sealed the win after Moises Caicedo lost possession deep in his own half, allowing Jeremy Doku to break forward and score.

Chelsea, who have not beaten City since the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, were without Enzo Fernandez following a controversial decision by manager Liam Rosenior to drop him.

The result sets up a crucial clash between City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on April 19. A win for Guardiola’s side would cut the gap to just three points.

City’s recent form including victories over Arsenal in the League Cup final and Liverpool in the FA Cup has boosted their bid for a seventh league title under Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described his side’s loss to Bournemouth as a “punch in the face,” with City’s win adding further pressure.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge.

Tottenham, now under their third manager this season, remain without a league win since December and are stuck in the relegation zone, facing the prospect of their first top-flight relegation since 1977.

Sunderland secured victory through a deflected effort from Nordi Mukiele, while Spurs were denied earlier after a penalty decision was overturned by VAR.