Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City 2022-23Getty Images

Its official: Kevin De Bruyne is the greatest midfielder the Premier League has ever seen

Manchester City are storming towards their third successive Premier League title, and no one is left to stand in their way after Arsenal's capitulation at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

City's 4-1 victory takes them to within two points of the Gunners at the top of the table, and they still have two games in hand. Pep Guardiola's team rose to the pressure of the occasion like champions while Mikel Arteta's men folded.

And, as so often has been the case down the years, it was Kevin De Bruyne that led City's charge.

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With only seven minutes on the clock, he picked up a pass from Erling Haaland in central midfield before driving at the Arsenal defence and firing a perfectly placed shot past Aaron Ramsdale at his near post.

De Bruyne then turned provider with an exquisite free-kick delivery for John Stones to double the home side's lead, and he finished Arsenal off early in the second half with another clever low shot after more good work from Haaland.

The Norwegian finally got in on the act in stoppage time, breaking Mohamed Salah's Premier League goals record in the process, but this was De Bruyne's night.

A number of world-class midfielders have made a lasting impact on the English top-flight, from Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. City have also been blessed in that department, with the likes of David Silva and Yaya Toure earning their place among the greats - but De Bruyne stands above them all.

The Belgian maestro is the kind of player that only comes along once in a generation. An inimitable genius whose legacy will endure long after he eventually hangs up his boots...