Man City close gap on Arsenal

MANCHESTER, England:

Manchester City closed the gap on English Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points with a 3-0 win against Fulham on Wednesday.

Antoine Semenyo, Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland all struck in the first half at the Etihad as City issued another statement of intent in the race for the title.

Arsenal have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola's team, but will be feeling the heat ahead of their visit to Brentford on Thursday.

"We have put the pressure back on Arsenal. We need to sit tight, watch the game tomorrow and hopefully it goes our way," Semenyo said.

Second-place City followed up Sunday's dramatic late win against Liverpool with a routine victory that was effectively wrapped up before halftime.

PIVOTAL SIGNING

Semenyo scored for the fifth time in eight games since his $87 million move from Bournemouth last month and his signing could be pivotal if City go on to pip Arsenal to the title.

"Being involved in a title race is new to me. I am enjoying it but it comes with a lot of pressure and demands," Semenyo said. "I think we have the team to do it. There are 12 games to go and we need to keep going."

Successive wins for City have changed the complexion of the standings after Arsenal opened up a nine-point lead at the top on Saturday. With the top two still to play each other at the Etihad, the title race looks far from over.

Third-place Aston Villa also picked up a much-needed victory after a run of one win in five in the league.

Jack Hinshelwood's own goal in the 86th sealed a 1-0 home win against Brighton. Villa are six points behind Arsenal and moved five clear of Manchester United in fourth.

Second to last Burnley came back from 2-0 down at Crystal Palace to win 3-2.

Nottingham Forest are just three points above the relegation zone after a goalless draw with last-place Wolves.

- AP