And the Associated Press (AP) reported that while the defending champions remain second in the standings, Arsenal’s lead has been reduced to two points, with City having two games in hand.
A third league title in as many years now looms for manager Pep Guardiola, whose side are vying for three titles including the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Arsenal proved no match for City in a game that always had the potential to have a big say in who would be crowned champions.
Mikel Arteta’s side led the way for much of the season but never really recovered from De Bruyne’s seventh-minute opener at the Etihad Stadium.
Aaron Ramsdale made a series of great saves to keep Arsenal in the game until John Stones scored in the second minute for City in first half stoppage time.
Any hopes of an unexpected comeback were ended nine minutes into the second half when De Bruyne scored his second goal of the match.
Rob Holding pulled one back for Arsenal in the 86th minute, but it was too late to change the score.
Erling Haaland completed the rout to make it 4-1 in stoppage time.
This is the third time that City has defeated Arsenal this season, including winning the FA Cup, and extends its series of victories over the London team to eight matches.
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