Gary Neville shares how the referee helped Arsenal during 5-1 win vs Manchester City

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Arsenal recorded a statement victory on Sunday with an emphatic win against Manchester City.

Goals from Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri cancelled out a brilliant header by Erling Haaland, and secured all three points for the Gunners in this crucial Premier League clash, which moves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta may have been ruing his side’s wastefulness in the opening 45 minutes after Haaland equalised in the 55th minute, but Arsenal responded superbly, with Partey restoring the lead just 38 seconds later.

Shortly after the Ghana international popped up – following a woeful pass from Phil Foden – Gary Neville pinpointed how referee Peter Bankes actually helped Arsenal.

Peter Bankes seemed to hide Thomas Partey from Phil Foden

The England international was directly at fault for Partey’s goal, passing the ball straight to the Arsenal No.5 before he smashed a shot beyond Stefan Ortega, with the help of a deflection.

Foden doesn’t often show such carelessness in possession, and Neville claimed live on commentary duty for Sky Sports that the Manchester City No.47 may not have even seen Partey – who could soon leave Arsenal – as Bankes seemed to be standing in the way.

The 49-year-old said: “Did the referee block Foden and he didn’t see Partey standing there? It looks like he may have been.”

Either way, it was a risky pass from the 24-year-old regardless, and he was truly made to pay for his error.

Arsenal could follow emphatic win over Manchester City with Mathys Tel deal

Arsenal fans could soon be set for even more excitement ahead of Monday night’s transfer deadline.

Mathys Tel has opted to join Manchester United – according to Florian Plettenburg – although the Sky Germany journalist did also state that Arsenal remain in the race.

There have since been reports in France – originating from RMC Sport – stating that Manchester United and Bayern Munich are struggling to reach an agreement, so perhaps the France U21 international could still end up at the Emirates Stadium.