Man City hit Gunners for a six

Manchester City asserted their Premier League title credentials with an extraordinary 6-3 defeat of leaders Arsenal on Saturday that took them to within three points of Arsene Wenger's side.

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero (in blue) turns to celebrate after scoring against Arsenal during their EPL tie in Manchester on Saturday. Man City won 6-3. Pic/AFP

Meanwhile, Chelsea moved into second spot after first-half goals from Fernando Torres and Ramires secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho's side took advantage of Arsenal's heavy defeat at Manchester City earlier in the day to move to within two points of the leaders.

At Manchester, Sergio Aguero gave City a 14th-minute lead and Alvaro Negredo restored the hosts' advantage after Theo Walcott had marked his first start for Arsenal since September by equalising.

City lost Aguero to injury early in the second half but a brace from Fernandinho, a David Silva strike and a Yaya Toure penalty secured victory for the 2012 champions, with Walcott and Per Mertesacker replying in vain.

"It's not easy to score six goals against Arsenal, the best defence in the EPL, the best team this year," said City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Wenger said: "Overall, they deserved the win. We have to go home and recover and come back next time."

EPL results
Man City 6-3 Arsenal
Cardiff 1-0 West Brom
Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
Everton 4-1 Fulham
Newcastle 1-1 S'hampton
West Ham 0-0 Sunderland u00a0