Arsenal have moved to within two points of surprise Premier League leaders Leicester City with victory over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners who are without a title triumph since 2004 - showed the sort of impressive drive, cutting edge and resilience that will lead manager Arsene Wenger to believe his side can finally end that barren spell.
City dominated early possession but Kevin de Bruyne wasted a good chance and Theo Walcott punished the visitors with a right-foot finish from 20 yards in the 33rd minute.
Eliaquim Mangala's dreadful clearance allowed Mesut Ozil's 15th assist of the season as he set up Olivier Giroud for an angled finish in first-half stoppage time.
Yaya Toure's clever shot from outside the penalty area setup a tense finale which saw both Toure and substitute Wilfried Bony waste chances to equalise.
For City, that is now three defeats in five as the pressure mounts on manager Manuel Pelligrini, it sees this season title's favourites six points behind leaders Leicester City.
Next for both of these sides is their Boxing Day matchups, Arsenal travel to Southampton on Sunday Morning, while City host Sunderland a few hours beforehand.
